Azaisoquinoline derivatives as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

This invention provides compounds defined by Formula I  
                 
 
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,  
     wherein R 1 , Q, Y, R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and n are as defined in the specification. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as defined in the specification, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient. The invention also provides methods of inhibiting an MMP-13 enzyme in an animal, comprising administering to the animal a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides methods of treating a disease mediated by an MMP-13 enzyme in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, either alone or in a pharmaceutical composition. The invention also provides methods of treating diseases such as heart disease, multiple sclerosis, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis other than osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis, cardiac insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, age-related macular degeneration, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, periodontal diseases, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, either alone or in a pharmaceutical composition. The invention also provides combinations, comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with another pharmaceutically active component as described in the specification.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of priority from United StatesProvisional Patent Application No. 60/403,219, filed Aug. 13, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to azaisoquinoline derivatives whichinhibit matrix metalloproteinase enzymes and thus are useful fortreating diseases resulting from MMP-mediated tissue breakdown such asheart disease, cardiac insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease,multiple sclerosis, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis otherthan osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure, age-related maculardegeneration, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, periodontaldiseases, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Matrix metalloproteinases (sometimes referred to as MMPs) arenaturally occurring enzymes found in most mammals. Over-expression andactivation of MMPs, or an imbalance between MMPs and inhibitors of MMPs,have been suggested as factors in the pathogenesis of diseasescharacterized by the breakdown of extracellular matrix or connectivetissues.

[0004] Stromelysin-1 and gelatinase A are members of the MMP family.Other members include fibroblast collagenase (MMP-1), neutrophilcollagenase (MMP-8), gelatinase B (92 kDa gelatinase) (MMP-9),stromelysin-2 (MMP-10), stromelysin-3 (MMP-11), matrilysin (MMP-7),collagenase 3 (MMP-13), TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE), and othernewly discovered membrane-associated matrix metalloproteinases (Sato H.,Takino T., Okada Y., Cao J., Shinagawa A., Yamamoto E., and Seiki M.,Nature, 1994;370:61-65). These enzymes have been implicated with anumber of diseases which result from breakdown of connective tissue,including such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis,osteoporosis, periodontitis, multiple sclerosis, gingivitis, cornealepidermal and gastric ulceration, atherosclerosis, neointimalproliferation which leads to restenosis and ischemic heart failure, andtumor metastasis. A method for preventing and treating these and otherdiseases is now recognized to be by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinaseenzymes, thereby curtailing and/or eliminating the breakdown ofconnective tissues that results in the disease states.

[0005] There is a catalytic zinc domain in matrix metalloproteinasesthat is typically the focal point for inhibitor design. The modificationof substrates by introducing zinc-chelating groups has generated potentinhibitors such as peptide hydroxamates and thiol-containing peptides.Peptide hydroxamates and the natural endogenous inhibitors of MMPs(TlMPs) have been used successfully to treat animal models of cancer andinflammation. MMP inhibitors have also been used to prevent and treatcongestive heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, U.S. Pat.No. 5,948,780.

[0006] A major limitation on the use of currently known MMP inhibitorsis their lack of specificity for any particular enzyme. Recent data hasestablished that specific MMP enzymes are associated with some diseases,with no effect on others. The MMPs are generally categorized based ontheir substrate specificity, and indeed the collagenase subfamily ofMMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13 selectively cleave native interstitialcollagens, and thus are associated only with diseases linked to suchinterstitial collagen tissue. This is evidenced by the recent discoverythat MMP-13 alone is over expressed in breast carcinoma, while MMP-1alone is over expressed in papillary carcinoma (see Chen et al., J. Am.Chem. Soc., 2000;122:9648-9654).

[0007] Selective inhibitors of MMP-13 include a compound namedWAY-170523, which has been reported by Chen et al., supra., 2000, andother compounds are reported in PCT International Patent ApplicationPublication numbers WO 01/63244; WO 00/09485; WO 01/12611; WO 02/34726;and WO 02/34753, and European Patent Application numbers EP 935,963 andEP 1,138,680. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,243 discloses inhibitors ofMMP-13. However, no selective or nonselective inhibitor of MMP-13 hasbeen approved and marketed for the treatment of any disease in anymammal. Accordingly, the need continues to find new low molecular weightcompounds that are potent and selective MMP inhibitors, and that have anacceptable therapeutic index of toxicity/potency to make them amenablefor use clinically in the prevention and treatment of the associateddisease states. An object of this invention is to provide a group ofselective MMP-13 inhibitor compounds characterized as beingazaisoquinoline derivatives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This invention provides an azaisoquinoline derived compounddefined by Formula I.

[0009] Accordingly, embodiments of the invention include:

[0010] 1. A compound of Formula I

[0011] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0012] R¹ is independently selected from:

[0013] C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0014] Substituted C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0015] C8-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0016] Substituted C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0017] 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0018] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0019] 8- to 10-membered heterobicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0020] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl);

[0021] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0022] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0023] Naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0024] Substituted naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0025] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0026] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0027] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0028] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0029] Phenyl;

[0030] Substituted phenyl;

[0031] Naphthyl;

[0032] Substituted naphthyl;

[0033] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl;

[0034] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl;

[0035] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl; and

[0036] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl;

[0037] R² is independently selected from:

[0038] H;

[0039] C₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0040] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0041] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0042] Naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0043] Substituted naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0044] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0045] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0046] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0047] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0048] Phenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0049] Substituted phenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0050] Phenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0051] Substituted phenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0052] Phenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0053] Substituted phenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0054] Phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0055] Substituted phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0056] Each substituted R¹ and R² group contains from 1 to 4substituents, each independently on a carbon or nitrogen atom,independently selected from:

[0057] C₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0058] CN;

[0059] CF₃;

[0060] HO;

[0061] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-O;

[0062] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S(O)₂;

[0063] H₂N;

[0064] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-N(H);

[0065] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-N;

[0066] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m);

[0067] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)O-(1- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl)_(m);

[0068] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)N(H)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m);

[0069] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)N(H)-(1- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl)_(m);

[0070] H₂NS(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0071] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-N(H)S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m);

[0072] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-NS(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m);

[0073] 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(G)_(m);

[0074] Substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(G)_(m);

[0075] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(G)_(m);

[0076] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(G)_(m);

[0077] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S(O)₂—N(H)—C(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m); and

[0078] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)—N(H)—S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m); wherein eachsubstituent on a carbon atom may further be independently selected from:

[0079] Halo; and

[0080] HO₂C;

[0081] wherein 2 substituents may be taken together with a carbon atomto which they are both bonded to form the group C═O;

[0082] wherein two adjacent, substantially Sp² carbon atoms may be takentogether with a diradical substituent to form a cyclic diradicalselected from:

[0083] R is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0084] G is CH₂; O, S, S(O); or S(O)₂;

[0085] Each m is an integer of 0 or 1;

[0086] R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the groups:

[0087] H;

[0088] C₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0089] Substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0090] C₂-C₆ alkenyl;

[0091] Substituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl;

[0092] C₂-C₆ alkynyl;

[0093] Substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl;

[0094] C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl;

[0095] Substituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl;

[0096] C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0097] Substituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0098] Phenyl;

[0099] Substituted phenyl;

[0100] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0101] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0102] Naphthyl;

[0103] Substituted Naphthyl;

[0104] Naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0105] Substituted naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0106] 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl;

[0107] Substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl;

[0108] 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0109] Substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)

[0110] HO;

[0111] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-O;

[0112] H₂N;

[0113] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-N(H);

[0114] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-N;

[0115] Each substituted R³ and R⁴ group contains from 1 to 4substituents, each independently on a carbon or nitrogen atom,independently selected from:

[0116] H₂N;

[0117] C₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0118] CN;

[0119] CF₃;

[0120] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-OC(O);

[0121] HO;

[0122] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-O;

[0123] HS; and

[0124] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S;

[0125] wherein each substituent on a carbon atom may further beindependently selected from:

[0126] Halo; and

[0127] HO₂C;

[0128] wherein 2 substituents may be taken together with a carbon atomto which they are both bonded to form the group C═O;

[0129] R⁵ is H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, H₂N, HO, or halo;

[0130] n is an integer of from 0 to 3;

[0131] Q is selected from:

[0132] OC(O);

[0133] CH(R⁶)C(O);

[0134] OC(NR⁶);

[0135] CH(R⁶)C(NR⁶);

[0136] N(R⁶)C(O);

[0137] N(R⁶)C(S);

[0138] N(R⁶)C(NR⁶);

[0139] N(R⁶)CH₂;

[0140] SC(O);

[0141] CH(R⁶)C(S);

[0142] SC(NR⁶);

[0143] trans-(H)C═C(H);

[0144] cis-(H)C═C(H);

[0145] C≡C;

[0146] CH₂C≡C;

[0147] C≡CCH₂;

[0148] CF₂C≡C; and

[0149] C≡CCF₂;

[0150] R⁶ is H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; 3- to 6-memberedheterocycloalkyl;

[0151] phenyl; benzyl; or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl;

[0152] X is O, S, N(H), or N(C₁-C₆ alkyl);

[0153] Each V is independently C(H) or N;

[0154] Y is C(═O), CH₂; C(H)(R⁷), C(R⁷)₂; O; S; S(O); or S(O)₂;

[0155] Each R⁷ is independently C₁-C₆ alkyl, H₂N; HO; or halo;

[0156] - - - - means a bond which is optionally present or absent;

[0157] W¹ is independently N—R⁵ or C(H)R⁵ when - - - - is absent,wherein R⁵ is as defined above;

[0158] W¹ is independently N or C—R⁵ when - - - - is a bond, wherein R⁵is as defined above;

[0159] Each W², W³, and W⁴ is independently N or C—R⁵, wherein R⁵ is asdefined above; wherein at least 1 of W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ is N;

[0160] wherein each C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl is a bicyclic carbocyclic ringthat contains 8-, 9-, or 10-member carbon atoms which are 5,5-fused,6,5-fused, or 6,6-fused bicyclic rings, respectively, and wherein thering is saturated or optionally contains one carbon-carbon double bond;

[0161] wherein each 8- to 10-membered heterobicycloalkyl is a bicyclicring that contains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatomsindependently selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 S(O), 1 S(O)₂, 1 N, 4 N(H), and4 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and wherein when two O atoms or one O atom and one Satom are present, the two O atoms or one O atom and one S atom are notbonded to each other, and wherein the ring is saturated or optionallycontains one carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen double bond, and whereinthe heterobicycloalkyl is a 5,5-fused, 6,5-fused, or 6,6-fused bicyclicring, respectively,

[0162] wherein each heterocycloalkyl is a ring that contains carbonatoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from 2 O, 1 S,1 S(O), 1 S(O)₂, 1 N, 4 N(H), and 4 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and wherein when twoO atoms or one O atom and one S atom are present, the two O atoms or oneO atom and one S atom are not bonded to each other, and wherein the ringis saturated or optionally contains one carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogendouble bond;

[0163] wherein each 5-membered heteroaryl contains carbon atoms and from1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 N(H), 1N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N, and each 6-membered heteroaryl contains carbonatoms and 1 or 2 heteroatoms independently selected from N, N(H), andN(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 5- and 6-membered heteroaryl are monocyclic rings;

[0164] wherein each heterobiaryl contains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4heteroatoms independently selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 N(H), 1 N(C₁-C₆alkyl), and 4 N, and where the 8-, 9-, and 10-membered heterobiaryl are5,5-fused, 6,5-fused, and 6,6-fused bicyclic rings, respectively, andwherein at least 1 of the 2 fused rings of a bicyclic ring is aromatic,and wherein when the O and S atoms both are present, the O and S atomsare not bonded to each other;

[0165] wherein with any (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-N group, the C₁-C₆ alkyl groupsmay be optionally taken together with the nitrogen atom to which theyare attached to form a 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl;

[0166] wherein each group and each substituent recited above isindependently selected; and

[0167] wherein the compound named4-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-isoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid is excluded.

[0168] 2. The compound according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein Y is C(═O).

[0169] 3. The compound according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein Y is CH₂.

[0170] 4. The compound according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein Y is C(H)(R⁷), wherein R⁷ is C₁-C₆alkyl, H₂N, HO, or halo.

[0171] 5. The compound according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein Y is C(R⁷)₂, wherein each R⁷ isindependently C₁-C₆ alkyl, H₂N, HO, or halo.

[0172] 6. The compound according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein Y is O.

[0173] 7. The compound according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein Y is S.

[0174] 8. The compound according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein Y is S(O).

[0175] 9. The compound according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein Y is S(O)₂.

[0176] 10. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is OC(O).

[0177] 11. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is CH(R⁶)C(O).

[0178] 12. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is OC(NR⁶).

[0179] 13. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is CH(R⁶)C(NR⁶).

[0180] 14. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is N(R⁶)C(O).

[0181] 15. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is N(R⁶)C(NR⁶).

[0182] 16. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is N(R⁶)CH₂.

[0183] 17. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is SC(O).

[0184] 18. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is CH(R⁶)C(S).

[0185] 19. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is SC(NR⁶).

[0186] 20. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is C≡C, CH₂C≡C,C≡CCH₂, CF₂C≡C, or C≡CCF₂.

[0187] 21. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is O.

[0188] 22. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is 1.

[0189] 23. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is 2.

[0190] 24. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is 3.

[0191] 25. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R⁵ is H.

[0192] 26. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R⁵ is halo.

[0193] 27. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R⁵ is H₂N.

[0194] 28. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R⁵ is HO.

[0195] 29. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R⁵ is CH₃.

[0196] 30. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 29, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R³ and R⁴ is H.

[0197] 31. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 29, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one of the groups R³and R⁴ is H and the other group is CH₃.

[0198] 32. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 29, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the groups R³ and R⁴are taken together to form O—CH₂—O.

[0199] 33. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 29, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one of the groups R³and R⁴ is H and the other group is HO.

[0200] 34. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 29, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one of the groups R³and R⁴ is H and the other group is CH₃O.

[0201] 35. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0202] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0203] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0204] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0205] 36. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of R¹ and R²are independently selected from:

[0206] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0207] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0208] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0209] 37. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0210] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0211] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0212] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0213] 38. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0214] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0215] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0216] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0217] 39. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of R¹ and R² isindependently selected from:

[0218] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0219] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0220] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0221] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0222] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0223] 40. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of R¹ and R² isindependently selected from:

[0224] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0225] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0226] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0227] 41. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, 35,and 37, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0228] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0229] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0230] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0231] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); andthe other one of R¹ and R² is independently selected from:

[0232] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0233] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0234] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0235] 42. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, 35,and 37, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹ isindependently selected from:

[0236] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0237] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0238] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0239] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0240] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0241] Substituted phenyl-(C₂-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0242] R is independently selected from:

[0243] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0244] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0245] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0246] 43. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, 35,37, and 42, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹ isindependently selected from:

[0247] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0248] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0249] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0250] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0251] R² is independently selected from:

[0252] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0253] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0254] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0255] 44. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0256] 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0257] Substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)and

[0258] wherein each group and each substituent recited above isindependently selected.

[0259] 45. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R³and R⁴ is independently selected from:

[0260] C₂-C₆ alkenyl; and

[0261] Substituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl.

[0262] 46. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R³and R⁴ is independently selected from:

[0263] C₁-C₆ alkyl; and

[0264] Substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl.

[0265] 47. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R³and R⁴ is independently selected from:

[0266] C₂-C₆ alkynyl; and

[0267] Substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

[0268] 48. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0269] C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0270] Substituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl).

[0271] 49. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0272] C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl;

[0273] Substituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl

[0274] 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl;

[0275] Substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl;

[0276] Phenyl;

[0277] Substituted phenyl;

[0278] Naphthyl;

[0279] Substituted naphthyl;

[0280] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl;

[0281] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl;

[0282] 8- to 10-membered heteroaryl; and

[0283] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heteroaryl.

[0284] 50. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9 and21 to 49, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q isselected from:

[0285] wherein V, X, and R are as defined above.

[0286] 51. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 50, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each C₁-C₈ alkylenylis CH₂, C(CH₃)₂, C(═O), or CF₂.

[0287] 52. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 51, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each C₁-C₈ alkylenylis CH₂.

[0288] 53. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 52, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least onesubstituent is selected from the groups:

[0289] CO₂H;

[0290] CO₂CH₃;

[0291] F;

[0292] Cl;

[0293] CN;

[0294] CF₃;

[0295] H₂NS(O)₂; or

[0296] wherein at least two substituents are each F, or

[0297] wherein at least three substituents are 2 F and 1 HO.

[0298] 54. A compound of Formula II

[0299] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0300] R¹ is independently selected from:

[0301] C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0302] Substituted C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0303] C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0304] Substituted C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0305] 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0306] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0307] 8- to 10-membered heterobicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0308] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl);

[0309] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0310] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0311] Naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0312] Substituted naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0313] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0314] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0315] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0316] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0317] Phenyl;

[0318] Substituted phenyl;

[0319] Naphthyl;

[0320] Substituted naphthyl;

[0321] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl;

[0322] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl;

[0323] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl; and

[0324] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl;

[0325] R² is independently selected from:

[0326] H;

[0327] C₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0328] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0329] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0330] Naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0331] Substituted naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0332] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0333] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0334] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0335] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0336] Phenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0337] Substituted phenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0338] Phenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0339] Substituted phenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0340] Phenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0341] Substituted phenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0342] Phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0343] Substituted phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0344] Each substituted R¹ and R² group contains from 1 to 4substituents, each independently on a carbon or nitrogen atom,independently selected from:

[0345] C₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0346] CN;

[0347] CF₃;

[0348] HO;

[0349] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-O;

[0350] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S(O)₂;

[0351] H₂N;

[0352] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-N(H);

[0353] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-N;

[0354] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m);

[0355] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)O-(1- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl)_(m);

[0356] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)N(H)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m);

[0357] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)N(H)-(1- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl)_(m);

[0358] H₂NS(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0359] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-N(H)S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m);

[0360] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-NS(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m);

[0361] 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(G)_(m);

[0362] Substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(G)_(m);

[0363] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(G)_(m);

[0364] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(G)_(m);

[0365] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S(O)₂-N(H)-C(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m); and

[0366] (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)—N(H)—S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m);

[0367] wherein each substituent on a carbon atom may further beindependently selected from:

[0368] Halo; and

[0369] HO₂C;

[0370] wherein 2 substituents may be taken together with a carbon atomto which they are both bonded to form the group C═O;

[0371] wherein two adjacent, substantially sp² carbon atoms may be takentogether with a diradical substituent to form a cyclic diradicalselected from:

[0372] R is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0373] G is CH₂; O, S, S(O); or S(O)₂;

[0374] Each m is an integer of O or 1;

[0375] W¹ is independently N or C—R⁵, wherein R⁵ is as defined above;

[0376] Each W2, W3, and W⁴ is independently N or C—R⁵, wherein R⁵ is asdefined above;

[0377] wherein at least 1 of W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ is N;

[0378] wherein each C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl is a bicyclic carbocyclic ringthat contains 8-, 9-, or 10-member carbon atoms which are 5,5-fused,6,5-fused, or 6,6-fused bicyclic rings, respectively, and wherein thering is saturated or optionally contains one carbon-carbon double bond;

[0379] wherein each 8- to 10-membered heterobicycloalkyl is a bicyclicring that contains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatomsindependently selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 S(O), 1 S(O)₂, 1 N, 4 N(H), and4 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and wherein when two O atoms or one O atom and one Satom are present, the two O atoms or one O atom and one S atom are notbonded to each other, and wherein the ring is saturated or optionallycontains one carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen double bond, and whereinthe heterobicycloalkyl is a 5,5-fused, 6,5-fused, or 6,6-fused bicyclicring, respectively,

[0380] wherein each heterocycloalkyl is a ring that contains carbonatoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from 2 O, 1 S,1 S(O), 1 S(O)₂, 1 N, 4 N(H), and 4 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and wherein when twoO atoms or one O atom and one S atom are present, the two O atoms or oneO atom and one S atom are not bonded to each other, and wherein the ringis saturated or optionally contains one carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogendouble bond;

[0381] wherein each 5-membered heteroaryl contains carbon atoms and from1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 N(H), 1N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N, and each 6-membered heteroaryl contains carbonatoms and 1 or 2 heteroatoms independently selected from N, N(H), andN(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 5- and 6-membered heteroaryl are monocyclic rings;

[0382] wherein each heterobiaryl contains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4heteroatoms independently selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 N(H), 1 N(C₁-C₆alkyl), and 4 N, and where the 8-, 9-, and 10-membered heterobiaryl are5,5-fused, 6,5-fused, and 6,6-fused bicyclic rings, respectively, andwherein at least 1 of the 2 fused rings of a bicyclic ring is aromatic,and wherein when the O and S atoms both are present, the O and S atomsare not bonded to each other;

[0383] wherein with any (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-N group, the C₁-C₆ alkyl groupsmay be optionally taken together with the nitrogen atom to which theyare attached to form a 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl;

[0384] wherein each group and each substituent recited above isindependently selected; and

[0385] wherein the compound named4-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-isoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid is excluded.

[0386] 55. The compound according to Embodiment 54, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹ andR² is independently selected from:

[0387] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0388] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0389] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0390] 56. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 54 and 55,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of R¹ and R²are independently selected from:

[0391] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0392] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0393] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0394] 57. The compound according to Embodiment 54, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹ andR² is independently selected from:

[0395] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0396] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0397] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0398] 58. The compound according to Embodiment 54, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹ andR² is independently selected from:

[0399] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0400] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0401] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0402] 59. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 54, 57, and58, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0403] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0404] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0405] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0406] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0407] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0408] 60. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 54, 57, and59, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0409] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0410] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0411] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0412] 61. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 54, 55, 57,and 58, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one of R¹and R² is independently selected from:

[0413] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0414] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0415] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0416] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); andthe other one of R¹ and R² is independently selected from:

[0417] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0418] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0419] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0420] 62. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 54, 55, 57,58, and 59, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹ isindependently selected from:

[0421] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0422] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0423] 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0424] Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0425] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0426] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0427] R² is independently selected from:

[0428] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0429] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0430] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0431] 63. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 54, 55, 57,58, 59, and 60, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, whereinR¹ is independently selected from:

[0432] 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0433] Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0434] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0435] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0436] R² is independently selected from:

[0437] Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0438] Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);

[0439] wherein each group and each substituent is independentlyselected.

[0440] 64. The compound according to Embodiment 54, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R¹ andR² is independently selected from:

[0441] 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and

[0442] Substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)and

[0443] wherein each group and each substituent recited above isindependently selected.

[0444] 65. The compound according to Embodiment 54, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R³ andR⁴ is independently selected from:

[0445] C₂-C₆ alkenyl; and

[0446] Substituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl.

[0447] 66. The compound according to Embodiment 54, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein at least one of R³ andR⁴ is independently selected from:

[0448] C₂-C₆ alkynyl; and

[0449] Substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

[0450] 67. The compound according to any one of Embodiments 54 to 68, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each C₁-C₈ alkylenylis CH₂.

[0451] 68. The compound according to Embodiment 54, selected from:

[0452]4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester;

[0453]4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid;

[0454]2-(3,5-Difluoro-4-hydroxybenzyl)-7-[3-(4H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-yl)prop-1-ynyl]-2H-3-azaisoquinolin-1-one;or

[0455] a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0456] 69. The compound according to Embodiment 54, selected from:

[0457]7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one;

[0458]2-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one;

[0459]4-[7-(3-Imidazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1-oxo-1H-5-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester;

[0460]4-[7-(3-Imidazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1-oxo-1H-5-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid; or

[0461] a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0462] 70. The compound according to Embodiment 54, selected from:

[0463]3-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzonitrile;

[0464]4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzenesulfonamide;

[0465]4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester;

[0466]4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid; or

[0467] a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0468] 71. The compound according to Embodiment 54, selected from:

[0469]4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid methyl ester;

[0470]3-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid methyl ester; or

[0471] a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0472] 72. The compound according to Embodiment 54, named:

[0473]2-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-7-3-phenylprop-1-ynyl-2H-3,5-diazaisoquinolin-1-one;or

[0474] a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0475] 73. The compound according to Embodiment 54, named:

[0476]7-(3-Phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-2H-3,6-diazaisoquinolin-1-one;or

[0477] a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0478] 74. The compound according to Embodiment 54, named:

[0479]2-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2H-3,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one;or

[0480] a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0481] 75. The compound according to Embodiment 54, named:

[0482]2-(3,4-Difluorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2H-5,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one;or

[0483] a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0484] 76. The compound according to Embodiment 54, named:

[0485]4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-[1,2,4]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-3,5,8-triazaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester; or

[0486] a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0487] 77. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound ofFormula I according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,excipient, or diluent.

[0488] 78. The pharmaceutical composition according to Embodiment 77,comprising a compound of Formula I according to any one of Embodiments 2to 76, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, admixed with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or diluent.

[0489] 79. A method for inhibiting an MMP-13 enzyme in an animal,comprising administering to the animal an MMP-13 inhibiting amount of acompound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

[0490] 80. The method according to Embodiment 79, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0491] 81. A method for treating a disease mediated by an MMP-13 enzyme,comprising administering to a patient suffering from such a disease anontoxic effective amount of a compound of Formula I according toEmbodiment 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0492] 82. The method according to Embodiment 81, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0493] 83. A method for treating arthritis, comprising administering toa patient suffering from an arthritis disease a nontoxic antiarthriticeffective amount of a compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0494] 84. The method according to Embodiment 83, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0495] 85. A method for treating osteoarthritis, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from osteoarthritis a nontoxiceffective amount of a compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0496] 86. The method according to Embodiment 85, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0497] 87. A method for treating rheumatoid arthritis, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis anontoxic effective amount of a compound of Formula I according toEmbodiment 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0498] 88. The method according to Embodiment 87, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0499] 89. A method for treating psoriatic arthritis, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from psoriatic arthritis a nontoxiceffective amount of a compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0500] 90. The method according to Embodiment 89, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0501] 91. A method for treating a cancer, comprising administering to apatient suffering from a cancer a nontoxic anti-cancer effective amountof a compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0502] 92. The method according to Embodiment 91, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0503] 93. A method for treating breast carcinoma, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from breast carcinoma a nontoxiceffective amount of a compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0504] 94. The method according to Embodiment 93, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0505] 95. A method for treating atherosclerosis, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from atherosclerosis a nontoxiceffective amount of a compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0506] 96. The method according to Embodiment 95, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0507] 97. A method for treating inflammation, comprising administeringto a patient suffering from inflammation a nontoxic effective amount ofa compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

[0508] 98. The method according to Embodiment 97, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0509] 99. A method for treating heart failure, comprising administeringto a patient suffering from heart failure a nontoxic effective amount ofa compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

[0510] 100. The method according to Embodiment 99, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0511] 101. A method for treating age-related macular degeneration,comprising administering to a patient suffering from age-related maculardegeneration a nontoxic effective amount of a compound of Formula Iaccording to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.

[0512] 102. The method according to Embodiment 101, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0513] 103. A method for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,comprising administering to a patient suffering from chronic obstructivepulmonary disease a nontoxic effective amount of a compound of Formula Iaccording to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.

[0514] 104. The method according to Embodiment 103, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0515] 105. A method for treating heart disease, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from heart disease a nontoxiceffective amount of a compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0516] 106. The method according to Embodiment 105, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0517] 107. A method for treating multiple sclerosis, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from multiple sclerosis a nontoxiceffective amount of a compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0518] 108. The method according to Embodiment 107, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0519] 109. A method for treating psoriasis, comprising administering toa patient suffering from psoriasis a nontoxic effective amount of acompound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

[0520] 110. The method according to Embodiment 109, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0521] 111. A method for treating asthma, comprising administering to apatient suffering from asthma a nontoxic effective amount of a compoundof Formula I according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof.

[0522] 112. The method according to Embodiment 111, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0523] 113. A method for treating cardiac insufficiency, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from cardiac insufficiency anontoxic effective amount of a compound of Formula I according toEmbodiment 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0524] 114. The method according to Embodiment 113, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0525] 115. A method for treating inflammatory bowel disease, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from inflammatory bowel disease anontoxic effective amount of a compound of Formula I according toEmbodiment 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0526] 116. The method according to Embodiment 115, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0527] 117. A method for treating osteoporosis, comprising administeringto a patient suffering from osteoporosis a nontoxic effective amount ofa compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

[0528] 118. The method according to Embodiment 117, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0529] 119. A method for treating periodontal diseases, comprisingadministering to a patient suffering from periodontal diseases anontoxic effective amount of a compound of Formula I according toEmbodiment 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0530] 120. The method according to Embodiment 119, wherein the compoundof Formula I is according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 76, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0531] 121. The method according to any one of Embodiments 79 to 120,wherein the compound of Formula I according to Embodiment 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is administered as apharmaceutical composition according to Embodiment 77 or 78.

[0532] 122. The compound according to Embodiment 1, wherein W³ is N andQ is N(H)C(O).

[0533] 123. The compound according to Embodiment 1, wherein W⁴ is N andQ is N(H)C(O).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0534] This invention provides compounds defined by Formula I

[0535] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹, Q, Y,R², R₃, R⁴, R⁵, and n are as defined above.

[0536] The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositionscomprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, as defined above, together with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.

[0537] The invention also provides methods of inhibiting an MMP-13enzyme in an animal, comprising administering to the animal a compoundof Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0538] The invention also provides methods of treating a diseasemediated by an MMP-13 enzyme in a patient, comprising administering tothe patient a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, either alone or in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0539] The invention also provides methods of treating diseases such asheart disease, multiple sclerosis, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis,arthritis other than osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis, cardiacinsufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, age-relatedmacular degeneration, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma,periodontal diseases, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis in apatient, comprising administering to the patient a compound of FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, either alone or in apharmaceutical composition.

[0540] The invention also provides combinations, comprising a compoundof Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, togetherwith another pharmaceutically active component as described.

[0541] As seen above, the groups of Formula I include “C₁-C₆ alkyl”groups. C₁-C₆ alkyl groups are straight and branched carbon chainshaving from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of C₁-C₆ alkyl groups includemethyl, ethyl, 1-propyl, 2-propyl, 1-butyl, 2-butyl, 2,2-dimethylethyl,1-pentyl, 2-pentyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, and 1-hexyl.

[0542] The phrase “substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl” means a C₁-C₆ alkyl group asdefined above that is substituted with from 1 to 4 substituentsindependently selected from the list above. Illustrative examples ofsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl groups include CH₂OH, CF₂OH, CH₂C(CH₃)₂CO₂CH₃,CF₃, C(O)CF₃, C(O)—CH₃, (CH₂)₄—S—CH₃, CH(CO₂H)CH₂CH₂C(O)NMe₂,(CH₂)₅NH—C(O)—NH₂, CH₂—CH₂—C(H)-(4-fluorophenyl), CH(OCH₃)CH₂CH₃,CH₂SO₂NH₂, and CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂OC(O)CH₃.

[0543] The term “C₂-C₆ alkenyl” means a straight or branched,unsubstituted hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 or2 carbon-carbon double bonds, and include allenyl groups. Typicalexamples of C₂-C₆ alkenyl groups include ethenyl, 1-propen-1-yl,1-propen-2-yl, 2-propen-1-yl, 1-buten-3-yl, 2-penten-2-yl, and1-hexen-6-yl.

[0544] The phrase “substituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl” means a C₂-C₆ alkenyl asdefined above, which is substituted with from 1 to 4 substituentsindependently selected from the list above. Illustrative examples ofsubstituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl groups include C(H)═C(H)CH₂OH, CH═CF₂,CH₂C(H)═C(H)—(CH₂)₂CF₂OH, CH₂C(═CH₂)CO₂CH₃, C(H)═C(H)—CF₃,CH₂—CH₂—C(H)═C(H)—C(O)—CH₃, C(H)═C(CH₃)—S—CH₃,C(H)═C(H)—C(H)═C(CH₃)—CO₂Me, and C(H)═C═C(H)OC(O)CH₃.

[0545] The term “C₂-C₆ alkynyl” means a straight or branched,unsubstituted hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 or2 carbon-carbon triple bonds. Typical examples of C₂-C₆ alkynyl groupsinclude ethenyl, 1-propyn-1-yl, 1-propyn-3-yl, 1-butyn-3-yl,2-pentyn-1-yl, and 1-hexyn-6-yl.

[0546] The phrase “substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl” means a C₂-C₆ alkynyl asdefined above, which is substituted with from 1 to 4 substituentsindependently selected from the list above. Illustrative examples ofsubstituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl groups include C≡CCH₂OH, C≡CF,CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₂CF₂OH, C≡C—CH₂CO₂CH₃, CH₂C≡C—CF₃, CH₂—CH₂—C≡C—C(O)—CH₃,C≡C—S—CH₃, and C≡C—C(O)OC(O)CH₃.

[0547] The term “C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl” means an unsubstituted cyclichydrocarbon group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms. C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl mayoptionally contain one carbon-carbon double bond. The group C₃-C₆cycloalkyl includes cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl,cyclopenten-1-yl, cyclopenten-4-yl, and cyclohexyl.

[0548] The phrase “substituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl” means a C₃-C₆cycloalkyl as defined above, which is substituted with from 1 to 4substituents independently selected from the list above. Illustrativeexamples of substituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl groups include1-hydroxy-cyclopropyl, cyclobutanon-3-yl,3-(3-phenyl-ureido)-cyclopent-1-yl, and 4-carboxy-cyclohexyl.

[0549] The phrase “3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl” means anunsubstituted saturated cyclic group having carbon atoms and 1 or 2heteroatoms independently selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 S(O), 1 S(O)₂, 1 N,2 N(H), and 2 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), wherein when two O atoms or one O atom andone S atom are present, the two O atoms or one O atom and one S atom arenot bonded to each other. Optionally, a 3- to 6-memberedheterocycloalkyl may contain one carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen doublebond. Illustrative examples of 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkylincludes aziridin-1-yl, 1-oxa-cyclobutan-2-yl, tetrahyrdofuran-3-yl,morpholin-4-yl, 2-thiacyclohex-1-yl, 2-oxo-2-thiacyclohe-1-yl,2,2-dioxo-2-thiacyclohex-1-yl, and 4-methyl-piperazin-2-yl.

[0550] The phrase “substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl” meansa 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl as defined above, which issubstituted with from 1 to 4 substituents independently selected fromthe list above. Illustrative examples of substituted 3- to 6-memberedheterocycloalkyl include 2-hydroxy-aziridin-1-yl,3-oxo-1-oxacyclobutan-2-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl,3-carboxy-morpholin-4-yl, and 1-cyclopropyl-4-methyl-piperazin-2-yl.

[0551] The term “C₁-C₈ alkylenyl” means a saturated hydrocarbondiradical that is straight or branched and has from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.C₁-C₈ alkylenyl having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms may optionallyindependently contain one carbon-carbon double bond. Illustrativeexamples of C₁-C₈ alkylenyl include CH₂, CH₂CH₂, C(CH₃)H,C(H)(CH₃)CH₂CH₂, and CH₂C(H)═C(H)CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂.

[0552] The term “1- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl” means a saturateddiradical chain that is straight or branched and contains from 1 to 7carbon atoms and 1 heteroatom selected from O, S, N(H), and N(C₁-C₆alkyl). 2- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl, having from 2 to 8 chainatoms, may optionally independently contain one carbon-carbon doublebond. Illustrative examples of 1- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl includeOCH₂, CH₂CH₂O, C(CH₃)HS, and CH₂C(H)═C(H)CH₂N(H)CH₂CH₂CH₂.

[0553] The phrase “C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means a C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, as defined above, bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl, asdefined above. Illustrative examples of C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl include cyclopropylmethyl, 1-cyclopentyl-hex-2-yl, and2-cyclobutyl-but-2-yl.

[0554] The phrase “Substituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” meansa C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl), as defined above, substituted onC₃-C₆ cycloalkyl and/or C₁-C₈ alkylenyl with from 1 to 4 substituents,as defined above. Illustrative examples of substituted C₃-C₆cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl include cyclopropylcarbonyl and1-(1-aminomethyl-cyclopentyl)-hex-2-yl.

[0555] The phrase “C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means acyclopentyl or cyclohexyl bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl, as definedabove, wherein the cycloalkyl optionally contains 1 carbon-carbon doublebond.

[0556] The phrase “Substituted C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)”means a substituted cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, wherein the substituentsare as defined above, bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl, as definedabove, wherein the cycloalkyl optionally contains 1 carbon-carbon doublebond.

[0557] The phrase “C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means acyclopentyl or cyclohexyl fused to another cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl togive a 5,5-, 5,6-, or 6,6-fused bicyclic carbocyclic group, which isbonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl, as defined above, wherein thebicycloalkyl optionally contains 1 carbon-carbon double bond.

[0558] The phrase “Substituted C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)”means a C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl, as defined above, substituted with from 1to 4 substituents, as defined above, bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl,as defined above.

[0559] The phrase “5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)”means a 5- or 6-membered ring containing carbon atoms and 1 or 2heteroatoms selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 N, 2 N(H), and 2 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl, as defined above.

[0560] The phrase “Substituted 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₆alkylenyl)” means a 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl, as defined above,substituted with from 1 to 4 substituents, as defined above, bondedthrough a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl, as defined above.

[0561] The phrase “8- to 10-membered heterobicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl)” means a 5- or 6-membered ring fused to another 5- or6-membered ring to give a 5,5-, 5,6-, or 6,6-fused bicyclic groupcontaining carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independentlyselected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 S(O), 1 S(O)₂, 1 N, 4 N(H), and 4 N(C₁-C₆alkyl), bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl, as defined above, wherein thebicycloalkyl optionally contains 1 carbon-carbon double bond or 1carbon-nitrogen double bond.

[0562] The phrase “Substituted 8- to 10-memberedheterobicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₆ alkylenyl)” means an 8- to 10-memberedheterobicycloalkyl, as defined above, substituted with from 1 to 4substituents, as defined above, bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl, asdefined above.

[0563] The phrase “3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)”means a 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl, as defined above, bondedthrough a C₁-C8 alkylenyl, as defined above.

[0564] The phrase “Substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C8alkylenyl)” means a substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl, asdefined above, bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl, as defined above.

[0565] The phrase “Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means a phenyl group bondedthrough a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl diradical, wherein C₁-C₈ alkylenyl is asdefined above. Illustrative examples of phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) includebenzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 1-phenyl-prop-1-yl, and 3-phenyl-heptyl.

[0566] The phrase “Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means aphenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) as defined above, which is substituted onphenyl and/or C₁-C₈ alkylenyl with from 1 to 4 substituentsindependently selected from the list above. Illustrative examples ofsubstituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) include 4-fluoro-phenylmethyl,2-(4-carboxy-phenyl)-ethyl, 1-(2,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-2-oxo-propyl, and1-phenyl-5,5-difluoro-oct-3-yl.

[0567] The term “naphthyl” includes 1-naphthyl and 2-napthyl.

[0568] The phrase “Naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means a naphthyl group asdefined above bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl diradical, wherein C₁-C₈alkylenyl is as defined above. Illustrative examples of naphthyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl) include naphth-1-ylmethyl, 2-(naphth-1-yl)ethyl, and3-(naphth-2-yl)-1-heptyl.

[0569] The phrase “Substituted naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means anaphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) as defined above, which is substituted onnaphthyl and/or C₁-C₈ alkylenyl with from 1 to 4 substituentsindependently selected from the list above. Illustrative examples ofsubstituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) include4-fluoro-(naphth-1-yl)methyl, 2-(4-carboxy-(naphth-1-yl))-ethyl,1-(2,4-dimethoxy-(naphth-1-yl))-2-oxo-propyl, and1-(naphth-2-yl)-5,5-difluorohept-2-yl.

[0570] The phrase “5- or 6-membered heteroaryl” means a 5-membered,monocyclic heteroaryl having carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatomsindependently selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 N(H), 1 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N,or a 6-membered, monocyclic heteroaryl having carbon atoms and 1 or 2heteroatoms selected from 2 N, and wherein:

[0571] (i) The phrase “5-membered, monocyclic heteroaryl” means a5-membered, monocyclic, aromatic ring group as defined above havingcarbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 N(H),1 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N. Illustrative examples of a 5-membered,monocyclic heteroaryl include thiophen-2-yl, furan-2-yl, pyrrol-3-yl,pyrrol-1-yl, imidazol-4-yl, isoxazol-3-yl, oxazol-2-yl, thiazol-4-yl,tetrazol-1-yl, 1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl, andpyrazol-3-yl; and

[0572] (ii) The phrase “6-membered, monocyclic heteroaryl” means a6-membered, monocyclic, aromatic ring group as defined above havingcarbon atoms and 1 or 2 N. Illustrative examples of a 6-membered,monocyclic heteroaryl include pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-4-yl,pyrimidin-2-yl, pyridazin-4-yl, and pyrazin-2-yl.

[0573] The phrase “8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl” means an 8-membered,5,5-fused bicyclic heteroaryl, a 9-membered, 6,5-fused bicyclicheteroaryl, or a 10-membered, 6,6-fused bicyclic heteroaryl, havingcarbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from 2O, 1 S, 1 N(H), 1 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N, wherein at least one of the 2fused rings is aromatic, and wherein when the O and S atoms both arepresent, the O and S atoms are not bonded to each other, which are asdefined below:

[0574] (i) The phrase “8-membered, 5,5-fused bicyclic heteroaryl” meansa an 8-membered aromatic, fused-bicyclic ring group as defined abovehaving carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from 2 O, 1 S,1 N(H), 1 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N. Illustrative examples of an8-membered, fused-bicyclic heteroaryl include

[0575] (ii) The phrase “9-membered, 6,5-fused bicyclic heteroaryl” meansa 9-membered aromatic, fused-bicyclic ring group as defined above havingcarbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from 2 O, 1 S, 1 N(H),1 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N. Illustrative examples of a 9-membered,fused-bicyclic heteroaryl include indol-2-yl, indol-6-yl,iso-indol-2-yl, benzimidazol-2-yl, benzimidazol-1-yl, benztriazol-1-yl,benztriazol-5-yl, benzoxazol-2-yl, benzothiophen-5-yl, andbenzofuran-3-yl; and

[0576] (iii) The phrase “10-membered, 6,5-fused bicyclic heteroaryl”means a 10-membered aromatic, fused-bicyclic ring group as defined abovehaving carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from 2 O, 1 S,1 N(H), 1 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N. Illustrative examples of a10-membered, fused-bicyclic heteroaryl include quinolin-2-yl,isoquinolin-7-yl, and benzopyrimidin-2-yl.

[0577] The phrases “substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl” and“substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl” means a 5- or 6-memberedheteroaryl, as defined above, or an 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl, asdefined above, respectively, which is substituted on a carbon (CH) atom,and/or nitrogen [N(H)] atom in the case of 5-, 8- to 10-memberedheterobiaryl, with from 1 to 4 substituents independently selected fromthe list above.

[0578] Illustrative examples of substituted 5-membered, monocyclicheteroaryl groups include 2-hydroxy-oxoazol-4-yl,5-chloro-thiophen-2-yl, 1-methylimidazol-5-yl, 1-propyl-pyrrol-2-yl,1-acetyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl, and2-hexyl-tetrazol-5-yl.

[0579] Illustrative examples of substituted 6-membered, monocyclicheteroaryl groups include 4-acetyl-pyridin-2-yl, 3-fluoro-pyridin-4-yl,5-carboxy-pyrimidin-2-yl, 6-tertiary butyl-pyridazin-4-yl, and5-hdyroxymethyl-pyrazin-2-yl.

[0580] Illustrative examples of substituted 8-membered, 5,5-fusedbicyclic heteroaryl include:

[0581] Illustrative examples of substituted 9-membered, 5,6-fusedbicyclic heteroaryl include 3-(2-aminomethyl)-indol-2-yl,2-carboxy-indol-6-yl, 1-(methanesulfonyl)-iso-indol-2-yl,5-trifluorometyl-6,7-difluoro-4-hydroxymethyl-benzimidazol-2-yl,4-(3-methylureido)-2-cyano-benzimidazol-1-yl, 1-methylbenzimidazol-6-yl,1-acetylbenztriazol-7-yl, 1-methanesulfonyl-indol-3-yl,1-cyano-6-aza-indol-5-yl, and1-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethyl)-benzpyrazol-3-yl.

[0582] Illustrative examples of substituted 10-membered, 6,6-fusedbicyclic heteroaryl include 5,7-dichloro-quinolin-2-yl,isoquinolin-7-yl-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, and3-bromo-benzopyrimidin-2-yl.

[0583] The phrase “5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” meansa 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, as defined above, bonded through a C₁-C₈alkylenyl, as defined above.

[0584] The phrase “Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl)” means a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl), asdefined above, which is substituted on 5- or 6-membered heteroaryland/or C₁-C₈ alkylenyl with from 1 to 4 substituents independentlyselected from the list above.

[0585] Illustrative examples of substituted 5-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C8alkylenyl) groups include 2-hydroxy-oxoazol-4-ylmethyl,4-(5-chloro-thiophen-2-yl)-hex-1-yl, and 2-tetrazol-5-yloctyl.

[0586] Illustrative examples of substituted 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl) groups include 4-acetyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl,7-(3-fluoro-pyridin-4-yl)-hept-2-yl, and2-(5-hdyroxymethyl-pyrazin-2-yl)-1,1-difluoro-2-hydroxy-prop-2-yl.

[0587] The phrase “8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)”means an 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl, as defined above, bondedthrough a C₁-C8 alkylenyl, as defined above.

[0588] The phrase “Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl)” means an 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl),as defined above, which is substituted on 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryland/or C₁-C₈ alkylenyl with from 1 to 4 substituents independentlyselected from the list above.

[0589] Illustrative examples of substituted 8-memberedheterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) include:

[0590] Illustrative examples of substituted 9-memberedheterobiaryl-(C₁-C8 alkylenyl) include3-(2-aminomethyl)-indol-2-ylmethyl, and1-(1-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethyl)-benzpyrazol-3-yl)-prop3-yl.

[0591] Illustrative examples of substituted 10-memberedheterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) include 5,7-dichloro-quinolin-2-ylmethyl,and 5-(3-bromo-benzopyrimidin-2-yl)-oct-2-yl.

[0592] The phrase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-O” means a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, asdefined above, bonded through an oxygen atom.

[0593] The phrase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S” means a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, asdefined above, bonded through an sulfur atom.

[0594] The phrase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S(O)₂” means a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, asdefined above, bonded through a sulfur atom, which sulfur atom issubstituted with two oxygen atoms.

[0595] The phrase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-N(H)” means a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, asdefined above, bonded through a nitrogen atom, which is bonded to ahydrogen atom.

[0596] The phrase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-N” means two independently selectedC₁-C₆ alkyl groups, as defined above, including cyclic groups whereinthe two C₁-C₆ alkyl groups are taken together with the nitrogen atom towhich they are both bonded to form a 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl,bonded through a nitrogen atom.

[0597] The phrase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-OC(O)” means a C₁-C₆ alkyl, as definedabove, bonded through an oxygen atom-carbonyl carbon atom.

[0598] The phase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m)”, wherein mis an integer of 0 or 1, means when, m is 0, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, asdefined above, bonded through a carbonyl carbon atom-oxygen atom, and,when m is 1, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, as defined above, bonded through acarbonyl carbon atom-oxygen atom-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl), wherein C₁-C₈alkylenyl is as defined above.

[0599] The phase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)O-(1- to 8-memberedheteroalkylenyl)_(m)”, wherein m is an integer of 0 or 1, means, when mis 0, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, as defined above, bonded through a carbonylcarbon atom-oxygen atom, and, when m is 1, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, asdefined above, bonded through a carbonyl carbon atom-oxygen atom-(1- to8-membered heteroalkylenyl), wherein 1- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl isas defined above.

[0600] The phase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)N(H)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m)”, whereinm is an integer of 0 or 1, means, when m is 0, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, asdefined above, bonded through a carbonyl carbon atom-nitrogen atom,which is bonded to a hydrogen atom, and, when m is 1, a C₁-C₆ alkylgroup, as defined above, bonded through a carbonyl carbon atom-nitrogenatom-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl), wherein C₁-C₈ alkylenyl is as defined above andthe nitrogen atom is bonded to a hydrogen atom.

[0601] The phase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)N(H)-(1- to 8-memberedheteroalkylenyl)_(m)”, wherein m is an integer of 0 or 1, means when, mis 0, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, as defined above, bonded through a carbonylcarbon atom-nitrogen atom, which is bonded to a hydrogen atom, and, whenm is 1, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, as defined above, bonded through a carbonylcarbon atom-nitrogen atom-(1- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl), wherein 1-to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl is as defined above and the nitrogen atomis bonded to a hydrogen atom.

[0602] The phrase “H₂NS(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means an amino bondedthrough a sulfur atom-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl), wherein the C₁-C₈ alkylenyl isas defined above and the sulfur atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms.

[0603] The phrase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-N(H)S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m)”,wherein m is an integer of 0 or 1, means, when m is 0, a C₁-C₆ alkyl, asdefined above, bonded through a nitrogen atom-sulfur atom, and, when mis 1, a C₁-C₆ alkyl, as defined above, bonded through a nitrogenatom-sulfur atom-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl), wherein the nitrogen atom is bondedto a hydrogen atom, the sulfur atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms, andC₁-C₈ alkylenyl is as defined above.

[0604] The phrase “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-NS(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m)”, whereinm is an integer of 0 or 1, means, when m is 0, two C₁-C₆ alkyl groups,as defined above, including cyclic groups wherein the two C₁-C₆ alkylgroups are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bothbonded to form a 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl, each bonded througha nitrogen atom-sulfur atom, and, when m is 1, two C₁-C₆ alkyl groups,as defined above, each bonded through a nitrogen atom-sulfur atom-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl), wherein the nitrogen atom is bonded to a hydrogen atom, thesulfur atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms, and C₁-C₈ alkylenyl is asdefined above.

[0605] The phrase “3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(G)_(m)”, wherein mis an integer of 0 or 1, means, when m is 0, a 3- to 6-memberedheterocycloalkyl, as defined above, and, when m is 1, a 3- to 6-memberedheterocycloalkyl, as defined above, bonded through a group G, as definedabove.

[0606] The phrase “Substituted 3- to 6-memberedheterocycloalkyl-(G)_(m)”, wherein m is an integer of 0 or 1, means,when m is 0, a substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl, as definedabove, and, when m is 1, a substituted 3- to 6-memberedheterocycloalkyl, as defined above, bonded through a group G, as definedabove.

[0607] The phrase “5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(G)_(m)”, wherein m is aninteger of 0 or 1, means, when m is 0, a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, asdefined above, and, when m is 1, a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, asdefined above, bonded through a group G, as defined above.

[0608] The phrase “Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(G)_(m)”,wherein m is an integer of 0 or 1, means, when m is 0, a substituted 5-or 6-membered heteroaryl, as defined above, and, when m is 1, asubstituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, as defined above, bondedthrough a group G, as defined above.

[0609] The term “Phenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means a phenyl bondedthrough an oxygen atom, which is bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl,wherein C₁-C₈ alkylenyl is as defined above. Illustrative examples ofphenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) include phenoxymethyl and 2-phenoxyethyl.

[0610] The term “Substituted phenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means aphenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) group, as defined above, that is substitutedwith from 1 to 4 substituents as defined above for R². Illustrativeexamples of substituted phenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) include4-fluorophenoxymethyl and 2-phenoxy-methylcarbonyl.

[0611] The term “Phenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means a phenyl bondedthrough an sulfur atom, which is bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl,wherein C₁-C₈ alkylenyl is as defined above. Illustrative examples ofphenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) include thiophenoxymethyl and2-thiophenoxyethyl.

[0612] The term “Substituted phenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means aphenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) group, as defined above, that is substitutedwith from 1 to 4 substituents as defined above for R². Illustrativeexamples of substituted phenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) include4-fluorothiophenoxymethyl and 2-thiophenoxy-methylcarbonyl.

[0613] The term “Phenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means a phenyl bondedthrough an sulfur atom, which is bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl,wherein C₁-C₈ alkylenyl is as defined above and the sulfur atom is alsobonded to an oxygen atom. Illustrative examples of phenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl) include phenyl-S(═O)-CH₂ and phenyl-S(═O)-CH₂CH₂.

[0614] The term “Substituted phenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means aphenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) group, as defined above, that issubstituted with from 1 to 4 substituents as defined above for R .Illustrative examples of substituted phenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)include (4-Fluoro-phenyl)-S(═O)—CH₂ and phenyl-S(═O)—CH₂C(═O).

[0615] The term “Phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means a phenyl bondedthrough an sulfur atom, which is bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl,wherein C₁-C₈ alkylenyl is as defined above and the sulfur atom is alsobonded to two oxygen atoms. Illustrative examples of phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl) include phenyl-S(═O)₂—CH₂ and phenyl-S(═O)₂—CH₂CH₂.

[0616] The term “Substituted phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)” means aphenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) group, as defined above, that issubstituted with from 1 to 4 substituents as defined above for R².Illustrative examples of substituted phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)include (4-Fluoro-phenyl)-S(═O)₂—CH₂ and phenyl-S(═O)₂—CH₂C(═O).

[0617] The term “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S(O)₂—N(H)—C(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m)”,wherein m is an integer of 0 or 1, means, when m is 0, a C₁-C₆ alkylgroup, as defined above, bonded through a sulfur atom, which is bondedthrough a nitrogen atom, which is bonded through a carbon atom, whereinthe sulfur atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms, the nitrogen atom isbonded to a hydrogen atom, and the carbon atom is doubly bonded to anoxygen atom to form a carbonyl group; and when m is 1, the term means aC₁-C₆ alkyl group, as defined above, bonded through a sulfur atom, whichis bonded through a nitrogen atom, which is bonded through a carbonatom, which is bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl group, as defined above,wherein the sulfur atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms, the nitrogen atomis bonded to a hydrogen atom, and the carbon atom is doubly bonded to anoxygen atom to form a carbonyl group. Illustrative examples of (C₁-C₆alkyl)-S(═O)₂-N(H)-C(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m) includeCH₃—S(O)₂—N(H)—C(═O) and CH₃—S(O)₂—N(H)—C(═O)—CH₂.

[0618] The term “(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)—N(H)—S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m)”,wherein m is an integer of 0 or 1, means, when m is 0, a C₁-C₆ alkylgroup, as defined above, bonded through a carbon atom, which is bondedthrough a nitrogen atom, which is bonded through a sulfur atom, whereinthe sulfur atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms, the nitrogen atom isbonded to a hydrogen atom, and the carbon atom is doubly bonded to anoxygen atom to form a carbonyl group; and when m is 1, the term means aC₁-C₆ alkyl group, as defined above, bonded through a carbon atom, whichis bonded through a nitrogen atom, which is bonded through a sulfuratom, which is bonded through a C₁-C₈ alkylenyl group, as defined above,wherein the sulfur atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms, the nitrogen atomis bonded to a hydrogen atom, and the carbon atom is doubly bonded to anoxygen atom to form a carbonyl group. Illustrative examples of (C₁-C₆alkyl)-C(O)—N(H)—S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m) includeCH₃—C(═O)—N(H)—S(═O)₂ and CH₃—C(═O)—N(H)—S(═O)₂-CH₂.

[0619] Preferred substituents for substituted phenyl, substitutednaphthyl (i.e., substituted 1-naphthyl or substituted 2-naphthyl), andpreferred substituents at carbon atoms for substituted 5-membered,monocyclic heteroaryl, substituted 6-membered, monocyclic heteroaryl,and substituted 9- or 10-membered, fused-bicyclic heteroaryl are C₁-C₄alkyl, halo, OH, O-C₁-C₄ alkyl, 1,2-methylenedioxy, oxo (“═O”), CN, NO₂,N₃, NH₂, N(H)CH₃, N(CH₃)₂, C(O)CH₃, OC(O)-C₁-C₄ alkyl, C(O)—H, CO₂H,CO₂-(C₁-C₄ alkyl), C(O)—N(H)OH, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NHMe, C(O)N(Me)₂,NHC(O)CH₃, N(H)C(O)NH₂, SH, S-C₁-C₄ alkyl, C≡CH, C(═NOH)—H, C(═NOH)—CH₃,CH₂OH, CH₂NH₂, CH₂N(H)CH₃, CH₂N(CH₃)₂, C(H)F—OH, CF₂—OH, S(O)₂NH2,S(O)₂N(H)CH₃, S(O)₂N(CH₃)₂, S(O)—CH₃, S(O)₂CH₃, S(O)₂CF₃, or NHS(O)₂CH₃.

[0620] Especially preferred substituents are 1,2-methylenedioxy,methoxy, ethoxy, —O—C(O)CH₃, carboxy, carbomethoxy, and carboethoxy.

[0621] The term “1,2-methylenedioxy” means the diradical group—O—CH₂—O—, wherein the substituent 1,2-methylenedioxy is bonded toadjacent carbon atoms of the group which is substituted to form a5-membered ring. Illustrative examples of groups substituted by1,2-methylenedioxy include 1,3-benzoxazol-5-yl of formula

[0622] which is a phenyl group substituted by 1,2-methylenedioxy.

[0623] A fused-bicyclic group is a group wherein two ring systems sharetwo, and only two, atoms.

[0624] It should be appreciated that the groups heteroaryl orheterocycloalkyl may not contain two ring atoms bonded to each otherwhich atoms are oxygen and/or sulfur atoms.

[0625] The term “oxo” means ═O. Oxo is attached at a carbon atom unlessotherwise noted. Oxo, together with the carbon atom to which it isattached forms a carbonyl group (i.e., C═O).

[0626] The term “heteroatom” includes O, S, S(O), S(O)₂, N, N(H), andN(C₁-C₆ alkyl).

[0627] The term “halo” includes fluoro, chloro, bromo, and iodo.

[0628] The term “amino” means NH₂.

[0629] The phrase “two adjacent, substantially sp² carbon atoms” meanscarbon atoms that comprise a carbon-carbon double bond that is capableof being substituted on each carbon atom, wherein the carbon-carbondouble bond is contained in an aromatic or nonaromatic, cyclic oracyclic, or carbocyclic or heterocyclic group.

[0630] The phrase “tertiary organic amine” means a trisubstitutednitrogen group wherein the 3 substituents are independently selectedfrom C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, benzyl, or wherein two of thesubstituents are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they arebonded to form a 5- or 6-membered, monocyclic heterocycle containing onenitrogen atom and carbon atoms, and the third substituent is selectedfrom C₁-C₁₂ alkyl and benzyl, or wherein the three substituents aretaken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded to form a7- to 12-membered bicyclic heterocycle containing 1 or 2 nitrogen atomsand carbon atoms, and optionally a C═N double bond when 2 nitrogen atomsare present. Illustrative examples of tertiary organic amine includetriethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, benzyl diethylamino,dicyclohexylmethyl-amine, 1,8-diazabicycle[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU),1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (TED), and1,5-diazabicycle[4.3.0]non-5-ene.

[0631] The phrase “pharmaceutical composition” means a compositionsuitable for administration in medical or veterinary use.

[0632] The term “admixed” and the phrase “in admixture” are synonymousand mean in a state of being in a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture.Preferred is a homogeneous mixture.

[0633] The term “patient” means a mammal. Preferred patients are humans,cats, dogs, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep.

[0634] The term “animal” means a mammal, as defined above. Preferredanimals include humans, cats, dogs, horses, pigs, sheep, cows, monkeys,rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

[0635] The term “mammal” includes humans, companion animals such as catsand dogs, primates such as monkeys and chimpanzees, and livestockanimals such as horses, cows, pigs, and sheep.

[0636] The phrase “livestock animals” as used herein refers todomesticated quadrupeds, which includes those being raised for meat andvarious byproducts, e.g., a bovine animal including cattle and othermembers of the genus Bos, a porcine animal including domestic swine andother members of the genus Sus, an ovine animal including sheep andother members of the genus Ovis, domestic goats and other members of thegenus Capra; domesticated quadrupeds being raised for specialized taskssuch as use as a beast of burden, e.g., an equine animal includingdomestic horses and other members of the family Equidae, genus Equus, orfor searching and sentinel duty, e.g., a canine animal includingdomestic dogs and other members of the genus Canis; and domesticatedquadrupeds being raised primarily for recreational purposes, e.g.,members of Equus and Canis, as well as a feline animal includingdomestic cats and other members of the family Felidae, genus Felis.

[0637] The phrase “anticancer effective amount” means an amount ofinvention compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or atautomer thereof, sufficient to inhibit, halt, or cause regression ofthe cancer being treated in a particular patient or patient population.For example in humans or other mammals, an anticancer effective amountcan be determined experimentally in a laboratory or clinical setting, ormay be the amount required by the guidelines of the United States Foodand Drug Administration, or equivalent foreign agency, for theparticular cancer and patient being treated.

[0638] The phrase “anti-arthritic effective amount” means an amount ofinvention compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or atautomer thereof, sufficient to inhibit, halt, or cause regression ofthe arthritis being treated in a particular patient or patientpopulation. For example in humans or other mammals, an anti-arthriticeffective amount can be determined experimentally in a laboratory orclinical setting, or may be the amount required by the guidelines of theUnited States Food and Drug Administration, or equivalent foreignagency, for the particular arthritis and patient being treated.

[0639] The phrase “MMP-13 inhibiting amount” means an amount ofinvention compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or atautomer thereof, sufficient to inhibit an enzyme matrixmetalloproteinase-13, including a truncated form thereof, including acatalytic domain thereof, in a particular animal or animal population.For example in a human or other mammal, an MMP-13 inhibiting amount canbe determined experimentally in a laboratory or clinical setting, or maybe the amount required by the guidelines of the United States Food andDrug Administration, or equivalent foreign agency, for the particularMMP-13 enzyme and patient being treated.

[0640] It should be appreciated that determination of proper dosageforms, dosage amounts, and routes of administration, is within the levelof ordinary skill in the pharmaceutical and medical arts, and isdescribed below.

[0641] The phrases “effective amount” and “therapeutically effectiveamount” are synonymous and mean an amount of a compound of the presentinvention, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a solvatethereof, sufficient to effect an improvement of the condition beingtreated when administered to a patient suffering from a disease that ismediated by MMP-13 and optionally from 0 to 12 additional MMP enzymes.

[0642] The term “tautomer” means a form of invention compound existingin a state of equilibrium with an isomeric form of the inventioncompound, wherein the invention compound is able to react according toeither form by virtue of the ability of the forms to interconvert byisomerization in situ, including in a reaction mixture, in an in vitrobiological assay, or in vivo.

[0643] The term “(E)” means entgegen, and designates that theconformation about the double bond to which the term refers is theconformation having the two higher ranking substituent groups, asdetermined according to the Cahn-Ingoid-Prelog ranking system, onopposite sides of the double bond. An (E) double bond is illustratedbelow by the compound of Formula (W)

[0644] wherein the two higher-ranking substituents are groups A and D.

[0645] The term “(Z)” means zusammen, and designates that theconformation about the double bond to which the term refers is theconformation having the two higher ranking substituent groups, asdetermined according to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog ranking system, on thesame side of the double bond. A (Z) double bond is illustrated below bythe compound of Formula (X)

[0646] wherein the two higher-ranking substituents are groups A and D.

[0647] It should be appreciated that the S1′ site of MMP-13 waspreviously thought to be a grossly linear channel which contained anopening at the top that allowed an amino acid side chain from asubstrate molecule to enter during binding, and was closed at thebottom. Applicants has discovered that the S1′ site is actually composedof an S1′ channel angularly connected to a newly discovered pocket whichapplicant calls the S1′ site. The S1′ site is open to solvent at thebottom, which can expose a functional group of Applicants' inventioncompounds to solvent. For illustrative purposes, the S1′ site of theMMP-13 enzyme can now be thought of as being like a sock with a hole inthe toes, wherein the S1′ channel is the region from approximately theopening to the ankle, and the S1′ site is the foot region below theankle, which foot region is angularly connected to the ankle region.

[0648] More particularly, the S1′ channel is a specific part of the S1′site and is formed largely by Leu218, Val219, His222 and by residuesfrom Leu239 to Tyr244. The S1′ binding site which has been newlydiscovered is defined by residues from Tyr246 to Pro255. The S1′ sitecontains at least two hydrogen bond donors and aromatic groups whichinteract with an invention compound.

[0649] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, theinventors believe that the S1′ site could be a recognition site fortriple helix collagen, the natural substrate for MMP-13. It is possiblethat the conformation of the S1′ site is modified only when anappropriate compound binds to MMP-13, thereby interfering with thecollagen recognition process. This newly discovered pattern of bindingoffers the possibility of greater selectivity than what is achievablewith the binding pattern of known selective inhibitors of MMP-13,wherein the known binding pattern requires ligation of the catalyticzinc atom at the active site and occupation the S1′ channel, but not theS1′ site. The term “Thr245” means threonine 245 of an MMP-13 enzyme.

[0650] The term “Thr247” means threonine 247 of an MMP-13 enzyme.

[0651] The term “Met253” means methionine 253 of an MMP-13 enzyme.

[0652] The term “His251” means histidine 251 of an MMP-13 enzyme.

[0653] It should be appreciated that the matrix metalloproteinasesinclude, but are not limited to, the following enzymes:

[0654] MMP-1, also known as interstitial collagenase, collagenase-1, orfibroblast-type collagenase;

[0655] MMP-2, also known as gelatinase A or 72 kDa Type IV collagenase;

[0656] MMP-3, also known as stromelysin or stromelysin-1;

[0657] MMP-7, also known as matrilysin or PUMP-1;

[0658] MMP-8, also known as collagenase-2, neutrophil collagenase orpolymorphonuclear-type (“PMN-type”) collagenase;

[0659] M -9, also known as gelatinase B or 92 kDa Type IV collagenase;

[0660] MMP-10, also known as stromelysin-2;

[0661] MMP-11, also known as stromelysin-3;

[0662] MMP-12, also known as metalloelastase;

[0663] MMP-13, also known as collagenase-3;

[0664] MMP-14, also known as membrane-type (“MT”) 1-MMP or MT1-MMP;

[0665] MMP-15, also known as MT2-MMP;

[0666] MMP-16, also known as MT3-MMP;

[0667] MMP-17, also known as MT4-MMP;

[0668] MMP-18; and

[0669] MMP-19.

[0670] Other known MMPs include MMP-26 (Matrilysin-2).

[0671] For the purposes of this invention, the term “arthritis”, whichis synonymous with the phrase “arthritic condition”, includesosteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease,spondyloarthropathies, gouty arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,juvenile arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. An allosteric compoundinhibitor of MMP-13 having an anti-arthritic effect is a compound asdefined above that inhibits the progress, prevents further progress, orreverses progression, in part or in whole, of any one or more symptomsof any one of the arthritic diseases and disorders listed above.

[0672] The term “IC₅₀” means the concentration of a compound, usuallyexpressed as micromolar or nanomolar, required to inhibit an enzyme'scatalytic activity by 50%.

[0673] The term “ED₄₀” means the concentration of a compound, usuallyexpressed as micromolar or nanomolar, required to treat a disease inabout 40% of a patient group.

[0674] The term “ED₃₀” means the concentration of a compound, usuallyexpressed as micromolar or nanomolar, required to treat a disease in 30%of a patient group.

[0675] The phrase “pharmaceutical composition” means a compositionsuitable for administration in medical or veterinary use.

[0676] The term “admixed” and the phrase “in admixture” are synonymousand mean in a state of being in a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture.Preferred is a homogeneous mixture.

[0677] As used herein, the phrase “cartilage damage” means a disorder ofhyaline cartilage and subchondral bone characterized by hypertrophy oftissues in and around the involved joints, which may or may not beaccompanied by deterioration of hyaline cartilage surface.

[0678] The phrase “treating”, which is related to the terms “treat” and“treated”, means administration of an invention combination as definedabove that inhibits the progress, prevents further progress, or reversesprogression, in part or in whole, of any one or more symptoms of any oneof the diseases and disorders listed above.

[0679] The phrase “invention compound” means a compound of Formula I, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as fully defined above.

[0680] The term “nontoxic” means the efficacious dose is 10 times orgreater than the dose at which a toxic effect is observed in 10% or moreof a patient population.

[0681] The term “celecoxib” means the compound named4-(5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide.Celecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (“COX-2”) inhibitor currentlyapproved by the FDA for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoidarthritis, and Polyposis-familial adenomatus. Celecoxib is marketedunder the tradename “Celebrex”. Celecoxib is currently in clinicaltrials for the treatment of bladder cancer, chemopreventative-lungcancer, and post-operative pain, and is registered for the treatment ofdysmenorrhea. Celecoxib has the structure drawn below:

[0682] The term “valdecoxib” means the compound named4-(5-methyl-3-phenyl-4-isoxazolyl)-benzenesulfonamide. Valdecoxib is aselective COX-2 inhibitor that has been approved by the FDA for treatingosteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, and general pain,and is marketed under the tradename “Bextra”. Valdecoxib is in clinicaltrials for the treatment of migraine. Valdecoxib has the structure drawnbelow:

[0683] It should be appreciated that COX-2 is also known asprostaglandin synthase-2 and prostaglandin PGH₂ synthase.

[0684] A selective inhibitor of COX-2 means compounds that inhibit COX-2selectively versus COX-1 such that a ratio of IC₅₀ for a compound withCOX-1 divided by a ratio of IC₅₀ for the compound with COX-2 is greaterthan, or equal to, 5, where the ratios are determined in one or moreassays. All that is required to determine whether a compound is aselective COX-2 inhibitor is to assay a compound in one of a number ofwell know assays in the art.

[0685] The term “NSAID” is an acronym for the phrase “nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drug”, which means any compound which inhibitscyclooxygenase-1 (“COX-1”) and cyclooxygenase-2. Most NSAIDs fall withinone of the following five structural classes: (1) propionic acidderivatives, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, naprosyn, diclofenac, andketoprofen; (2) acetic acid derivatives, such as tolmetin and sulindac;(3) fenamic acid derivatives, such as mefenamic acid and meclofenamicacid; (4) biphenylcarboxylic acid derivatives, such as diflunisal andflufenisal; and (5) oxicams, such as piroxim, peroxicam, sudoxicam, andisoxicam. Other useful NSAIDs include aspirin, acetominophen,indomethacin, and phenylbutazone. Selective inhibitors ofcyclooxygenase-2 as described above may be considered to be NSAIDs also.

[0686] The term “drugs”, which is synonymous with the phrases “activecomponents”, “active compounds”, and “active ingredients”, includescelecoxib, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, valdecoxib, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an allosteric inhibitorof MMP-13, and may further include one or two of the other therapeuticagents described above.

[0687] The compounds of Formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof, or tautomers thereof, include compounds which are inventioncompounds. An allosteric inhibitor of MMP-13 is any compound of FormulaI that binds allosterically into the S1′ site of the MMP-13 enzyme,including the S1′ channel, and a newly discovered S1′ site, withoutligating, coordinating, or binding the catalytic zinc of the MMP-13.

[0688] An invention compound that is an allosteric inhibitor of MMP-13may be readily identified by one of ordinary skill in the pharmaceuticalor medical arts by assaying an alkyne test compound for inhibition ofMMP-13 as described below in Biological Methods 1 or 2, and forallosteric inhibition of MMP-13 by assaying the test invention compoundfor inhibition of MMP-13 in the presence of an inhibitor to thecatalytic zinc of MMP-13 as described below in Biological Methods 3 or4.

[0689] Further, an invention compound having an anti-inflammatory, ananalgesic, anti-arthritic, or a cartilage damage inhibiting effect, orany combination of these effects, may be readily identified by one ofordinary skill in the pharmaceutical or medical arts by assaying theinvention compound in any number of well known assays for measuringdetermining the invention compound's effects on cartilage damage,arthritis, inflammation, or pain. These assays include in vitro assaysthat utilize cartilage samples and in vivo assays in whole animals thatmeasure cartilage degradation, inhibition of inflammation, or painalleviation.

[0690] For example with regard to assaying cartilage damage in vitro, anamount of an invention compound or control vehicle may be administeredwith a cartilage damaging agent to cartilage, and the cartilage damageinhibiting effects in both tests studied by gross examination orhistopathologic examination of the cartilage, or by measurement ofbiological markers of cartilage damage such as, for example,proteoglycan content or hydroxyproline content. Further, in vivo assaysto assay cartilage damage may be performed as follows: an amount of aninvention compound or control vehicle may be administered with acartilage damaging agent to an animal, and the effects of the inventioncompound being assayed on cartilage in the animal may be evaluated bygross examination or histopathologic examination of the cartilage, byobservation of the effects in an acute model on functional limitationsof the affected joint that result from cartilage damage, or bymeasurement of biological markers of cartilage damage such as, forexample, proteoglycan content or hydroxyproline content.

[0691] Several methods of identifying an invention compound withcartilage damage inhibiting properties are described below. The amountto be administered in an assay is dependent upon the particular assayemployed, but in any event is not higher than the well known maximumamount of a compound that the particular assay can effectivelyaccommodate.

[0692] Similarly, invention compounds having pain-alleviating propertiesmay be identified using any one of a number of in vivo animal models ofpain.

[0693] Still similarly, invention compounds having anti-inflammatoryproperties may be identified using any one of a number of in vivo animalmodels of inflammation. For example, for an example of inflammationmodels, see U.S. Pat. No. 6, 329,429, which is incorporated herein byreference.

[0694] Still similarly, invention compounds having anti-arthriticproperties may be identified using any one of a number of in vivo animalmodels of arthritis. For example, for an example of arthritis models,see also U.S. Pat. No. 6, 329,429.

[0695] Other mammalian diseases and disorders which are treatable byadministration of an invention combination alone, or contained in apharmaceutical composition as defined below, include: fever (includingrheumatic fever and fever associated with influenza and other viralinfections), common cold, dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps, inflammatorybowel disease, Crohn's disease, emphysema, acute respiratory distresssyndrome, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,Alzheimer's disease, organ transplant toxicity, cachexia, allergicreactions, allergic contact hypersensitivity, cancer (such as solidtumor cancer including colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer andprostrate cancer; hematopoietic malignancies including leukemias andlymphomas; Hodgkin's disease; aplastic anemia, skin cancer and familiaradenomatous polyposis), tissue ulceration, peptic ulcers, gastritis,regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, recurrentgastrointestinal lesion, gastrointestinal bleeding, coagulation, anemia,synovitis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, restenosis, periodontaldisease, epidermolysis bullosa, osteoporosis, loosening of artificialjoint implants, atherosclerosis (including atherosclerotic plaquerupture), aortic aneurysm (including abdominal aortic aneurysm and brainaortic aneurysm), periarteritis nodosa, congestive heart failure,myocardial infarction, stroke, cerebral ischemia, head trauma, spinalcord injury, neuralgia, neuro-degenerative disorders (acute andchronic), autoimmune disorders, Huntington's disease, Parkinson'sdisease, migraine, depression, peripheral neuropathy, pain (includinglow back and neck pain, headache and toothache), gingivitis, cerebralamyloid angiopathy, nootropic or cognition enhancement, amyotrophiclateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, ocular angiogenesis, cornealinjury, macular degeneration, conjunctivitis, abnormal wound healing,muscle or joint sprains or strains, tendonitis, skin disorders (such aspsoriasis, eczema, scleroderma and dermatitis), myasthenia gravis,polymyositis, myositis, bursitis, bums, diabetes (including types I andII diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy), tumorinvasion, tumor growth, tumor metastasis, corneal scarring, scleritis,immunodeficiency diseases (such as AIDS in humans and FLV, FIV in cats),sepsis, premature labor, hypoprothrombinemia, hemophilia, thyroiditis,sarcoidosis, Behcet's syndrome, hypersensitivity, kidney disease,Rickettsial infections (such as Lyme disease, Erlichiosis), Protozoandiseases (such as malaria, giardia, coccidia), reproductive disorders(preferably in livestock), epilepsy, convulsions, and septic shock.

[0696] Other aspects of the present invention are compounds of FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that are ≧10, ≧20,≧50, ≧100, or ≧1000 times more potent versus MMP-13 than versus at leasttwo of any other MMP enzyme or TACE.

[0697] Still other aspects of the present invention are compounds ofFormula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that areselective inhibitors of MMP-13 versus 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 other MMPenzymes, or versus TACE and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 other MMP enzymes.

[0698] It should be appreciated that selectivity of a compound ofFormula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is amultidimensional characteristic that includes the number of other MMPenzymes and TACE over which selectivity for MMP-13 inhibition is presentand the degree of selectivity of inhibition of MMP-13 over anotherparticular MMP or TACE, as measured by, for example, the IC₅₀ inmicromolar concentration of the compound for the inhibition of the otherMMP enzyme or TACE divided by the IC₅₀ in micromolar concentration ofthe compound for the inhibition of MMP-13.

[0699] As discussed above, one aspect of the present invention is novelcompounds that are selective inhibitors of the enzyme MMP-13. Aselective inhibitor of MMP-13, as used in the present invention, is acompound that is ≦5× more potent in vitro versus MMP-13 than versus atleast one other matrix metalloproteinase enzyme such as, for example,MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, or MMP-14, or versus tumornecrosis factor alpha convertase (“TACE”). A preferred aspect of thepresent invention is novel compounds that are selective inhibitors ofMMP-13 versus MMP-1.

[0700] The invention provides a compound of Formula I, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which has an IC₅₀ with any MMPenzyme that is less than or equal to 50 micromolar. Preferred arecompounds of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,which have an IC₅₀ with a human full-length MMP-13 (“hMMP-13FL”) or ahuman MMP-13 catalytic domain (“hMMP-13CD”) that is less than or equalto 50 micromolar. More preferred are compounds of Formula I, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which have an IC₅₀ with ahuman full-length MMP-13 (“hMMP-13FL”) or a human MMP-13 catalyticdomain (“hMMP-13CD”) that is less than or equal to 10 micromolar.

[0701] The compound named4-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-isoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid is excluded from the invention because it was assayed withhMMP-13CD and was found to have an IC₅₀ that exceeded 50 micromolar.

[0702] Examples of biological methods useful for determining IC₅₀s forthe invention compounds with an MMP are described below in BiologicalMethods 1 to 4. Any compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, or any form thereof as defined above, that doesnot have an IC₅₀ with any MMP enzyme that is less than, or equal to, 10micromolar is excluded from this invention.

[0703] Some of the invention compounds are capable of further formingnontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable salts, including, but not limitedto, acid addition and/or base salts. The acid addition salts are formedfrom basic invention compounds, whereas the base addition salts areformed from acidic invention compounds. All of these forms are withinthe scope of the compounds useful in the invention.

[0704] Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the basicinvention compounds include nontoxic salts derived from inorganic acidssuch as hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, sulfuric, hydrobromic,hydroiodic, hydrofluoric, phosphorous, and the like, as well nontoxicsalts derived from organic acids, such as aliphatic mono- anddicarboxylic acids, phenyl-substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxy alkanoicacids, alkanedioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromaticsulfonic acids, etc. Such salts thus include sulfate, pyrosulfate,bisulfate, sulfite, bisulfite, nitrate, phosphate,monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate,pyrophosphate, chloride, bromide, iodide, acetate, trifluoroacetate,propionate, caprylate, isobutyrate, oxalate, malonate, succinate,suberate, sebacate, fumarate, maleate, mandelate, benzoate,chlorobenzoate, methylbenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, phthalate,benzenesulfonate, toluenesulfonate, phenylacetate, citrate, lactate,malate, tartrate, methanesulfonate, and the like. Also contemplated aresalts of amino acids such as arginate and the like and gluconate,galacturonate (see, for example, Berge S. M. et al., “PharmaceuticalSalts,” J. of Pharma. Sci., 1977;66:1).

[0705] An acid addition salt of a basic invention compound is preparedby contacting the free base form of the compound with a sufficientamount of a desired acid to produce a nontoxic salt in the conventionalmanner. The free base form of the compound may be regenerated bycontacting the acid addition salt so formed with a base, and isolatingthe free base form of the compound in the conventional manner. The freebase forms of compounds prepared according to a process of the presentinvention differ from their respective acid addition salt forms somewhatin certain physical properties such as solubility, crystal structure,hygroscopicity, and the like, but otherwise free base forms of theinvention compounds and their respective acid addition salt forms areequivalent for purposes of the present invention.

[0706] A nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salt of anacidic invention compound may be prepared by contacting the free acidform of the compound with a metal cation such as an alkali or alkalineearth metal cation, or an amine, especially an organic amine. Examplesof suitable metal cations include sodium cation (Na⁺), potassium cation(K⁺), magnesium cation (Mg²⁺), calcium cation (Ca²⁺), and the like.Examples of suitable amines are N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine,chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, dicyclohexylamine,ethylenediamine, N-methylglucamine, and procaine (see, for example,Berge, supra., 1977).

[0707] A base addition salt of an acidic invention compound may beprepared by contacting the free acid form of the compound with asufficient amount of a desired base to produce the salt in theconventional manner. The free acid form of the compound may beregenerated by contacting the salt form so formed with an acid, andisolating the free acid of the compound in the conventional manner. Thefree acid forms of the invention compounds differ from their respectivesalt forms somewhat in certain physical properties such as solubility,crystal structure, hygroscopicity, and the like, but otherwise the saltsare equivalent to their respective free acid for purposes of the presentinvention.

[0708] Certain invention compounds can exist in unsolvated forms as wellas solvated forms, including hydrated forms. In general, the solvatedforms, including hydrated forms, are equivalent to unsolvated forms andare encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

[0709] Certain of the invention compounds possess one or more chiralcenters, and each center may exist in the R or S configuration. Aninvention compound includes any diastereomeric, enantiomeric, orepimeric form of the compound, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0710] Additionally, certain invention compounds may exist as geometricisomers such as the entgegen (E) and zusammen (Z) isomers of1,2-disubstituted alkenyl groups or cis and trans isomers ofdisubstituted cyclic groups. An invention compound includes any cis,trans, syn, anti, entgegen (E), or zusammen (Z) isomer of the compound,as well as mixtures thereof.

[0711] Certain invention compounds can exist as two or more tautomericforms. Tautomeric forms of the invention compounds may interchange, forexample, via enolization/de-enolization, 1,2-hydride, 1,3-hydride, or1,4-hydride shifts, and the like. An invention compound includes anytautomeric form of the compound, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0712] Some compounds of the present invention have alkenyl groups,which may exist as entgegen or zusammen conformations, in which case allgeometric forms thereof, both entgegen and zusammen, cis and trans, andmixtures thereof, are within the scope of the present invention.

[0713] Some compounds of the present invention have cycloalkyl groups,which may be substituted at more than one carbon atom, in which case allgeometric forms thereof, both cis and trans, and mixtures thereof, arewithin the scope of the present invention.

[0714] The invention compounds also include isotopically-labelledcompounds, which are identical to those recited above, but for the factthat one or more atoms are replaced by an atom having an atomic mass ormass number different from the atomic mass or mass number usually foundin nature. Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into compoundsof the invention include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen,phosphorous, fluorine and chlorine, such as ²H, ³H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O,¹⁷O, ³¹P, ³²P, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F and ³⁶Cl, respectively. Compounds of the presentinvention and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds whichcontain the aforementioned isotopes and/or other isotopes of other atomsare within the scope of this invention. Certain isotopically labelledcompounds of the present invention, for example those into whichradioactive isotopes such as ³H and ¹⁴C are incorporated, are useful indrug and/or substrate tissue distribution assays. Tritiated, i.e., ³Hand carbon-14, i.e., ¹⁴C, isotopes are particularly preferred for theirease of preparation and detectability. Further, substitution withheavier isotopes such as deuterium, i.e., ²H, can afford certaintherapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability, forexample increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements and,hence, may be preferred in some circumstances. Isotopically labelledcompounds of those described above in this invention can generally beprepared by carrying out the procedures incorporated by reference aboveor disclosed in the Schemes and/or in the Examples and Preparationsbelow, by substituting a readily available isotopically labelled reagentfor a non-isotopically labelled reagent.

[0715] All of the above-describe forms of an invention compound areincluded by the phrase “invention compound”, a “compound of Formula I”,a “compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof”, or any named species thereof, unless specifically excludedtherefrom.

[0716] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thecompounds of the invention are useful in treating a diverse array ofdiseases. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate thatwhen using the compounds of the invention in the treatment of a specificdisease that the compounds of the invention may be combined with variousexisting therapeutic agents used for that disease.

[0717] For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the compounds of theinvention may be combined with agents such as TNF-α inhibitors such asanti-TNF monoclonal antibodies and TNF receptor immunoglobulin molecules(such as Enbrel®), low dose methotrexate, lefunimide,hydroxychloroquine, d-penicillamine, auranofin or parenteral or oralgold.

[0718] The compounds of the invention can also be used in combinationwith existing therapeutic agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis.Suitable agents to be used in combination include standard non-steroidalanti-inflammatory agents (hereinafter NSAID's) such as piroxicam,diclofenac, propionic acids such as naproxen, flurbiprofen, fenoprofen,ketoprofen and ibuprofen, fenamates such as mefenamic acid,indomethacin, sulindac, apazone, pyrazolones such as phenylbutazone,salicylates such as aspirin, COX-2 inhibitors such as etoricoxib androfecoxib, analgesics and intraarticular therapies such ascorticosteroids and hyaluronic acids such as hyalgan and synvisc.

[0719] This invention also relates to a method of or a pharmaceuticalcomposition for treating inflammatory processes and diseases comprisingadministering a compound of this invention to a mammal, including ahuman, cat, livestock or dog, wherein said inflammatory processes anddiseases are defined as above and said inhibitory compound is used incombination with one or more other therapeutically active agents underthe following conditions:

[0720] A.) where a joint has become seriously inflamed as well asinfected at the same time by bacteria, fungi, protozoa and/or virus,said inhibitory compound is administered in combination with one or moreantibiotic, antifungal, antiprotozoal and/or antiviral therapeuticagents;

[0721] B.) where a multi-fold treatment of pain and inflammation isdesired, said inhibitory compound is administered in combination withinhibitors of other mediators of inflammation, comprising one or moremembers independently selected from the group consisting essentially of:

[0722] (1) NSAIDs;

[0723] (2) H₁-receptor antagonists;

[0724] (3) kinin-B₁- and B₂-receptor antagonists;

[0725] (4) prostaglandin inhibitors selected from the group consistingof PGD-, PGF-PGI₂- and PGE-receptor antagonists;

[0726] (5) thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂-) inhibitors;

[0727] (6) 5-, 12- and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors;

[0728] (7) leukotriene LTC₄-, LTD₄/LTE₄- and LTB₄-inhibitors;

[0729] (8) PAF-receptor antagonists;

[0730] (9) gold in the form of an aurothio group together with one ormore hydrophilic groups;

[0731] (10) immunosuppressive agents selected from the group consistingof cyclosporine, azathioprine and methotrexate;

[0732] (11) anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids;

[0733] (12) penicillamine;

[0734] (13) hydroxychloroquine;

[0735] (14) anti-gout agents including colchicine; xanthine oxidaseinhibitors including allopurinol; and uricosuric agents selected fromprobenecid, sulfinpyrazone and benzbromarone;

[0736] C. where older mammals are being treated for disease conditions,syndromes and symptoms found in geriatric mammals, said inhibitorycompound is administered in combination with one or more membersindependently selected from the group consisting essentially of:

[0737] (1) cognitive therapeutics to counteract memory loss andimpairment;

[0738] (2) anti-hypertensives and other cardiovascular drugs intended tooffset the consequences of atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardialischemia, angina, congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction,selected from the group consisting of:

[0739] a. diuretics;

[0740] b. vasodilators;

[0741] c. β-adrenergic receptor antagonists;

[0742] d. angiotensin-II converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors),alone or optionally together with neutral endopeptidase inhibitors;

[0743] e. angiotensin II receptor antagonists;

[0744] f. renin inhibitors;

[0745] g. calcium channel blockers;

[0746] h. sympatholytic agents;

[0747] i. α₂-adrenergic agonists;

[0748] j. α-adrenergic receptor antagonists; and

[0749] k. HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors (anti-hypercholesterolemics);

[0750] (3) antineoplastic agents selected from:

[0751] a. antimitotic drugs selected from:

[0752] i. vinca alkaloids selected from:

[0753]  [1] vinblastine and

[0754]  [2] vincristine;

[0755] (4) growth hormone secretagogues;

[0756] (5) strong analgesics;

[0757] (6) local and systemic anesthetics; and

[0758] (7) H₂-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors and othergastroprotective agents.

[0759] The active ingredient of the present invention may beadministered in combination with inhibitors of other mediators ofinflammation, comprising one or more members selected from the groupconsisting essentially of the classes of such inhibitors and examplesthereof which include, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, aggrecanaseinhibitors, TACE inhibitors, leucotriene receptor antagonists, IL-1processing and release inhibitors, ILra, H₁-receptor antagonists;kinin-B₁- and B₂-receptor antagonists; prostaglandin inhibitors such asPGD-, PGF-PGI₂- and PGE-receptor antagonists; thromboxane A₂ (TXA2-)inhibitors; 5- and 12-lipoxygenase inhibitors; leukotriene LTC₄-,LTD₄/LTE₄- and LTB₄-inhibitors; PAF-receptor antagonists; gold in theform of an aurothio group together with various hydrophilic groups;immunosuppressive agents, e.g., cyclosporine, azathioprine andmethotrexate; anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids; penicillamine;hydroxychloroquine; anti-gout agents, e.g., colchicine, xanthine oxidaseinhibitors, e.g., allopurinol and uricosuric agents, e.g., probenecid,sulfinpyrazone and benzbromarone.

[0760] The compounds of the present invention may also be used incombination with anticancer agents such as endostatin and angiostatin orcytotoxic drugs such as adriamycin, daunomycin, cis-platinum, etoposide,taxol, taxotere and alkaloids, such as vincristine and antimetabolitessuch as methotrexate.

[0761] The compounds of the present invention may also be used incombination with anti-hypertensives and other cardiovascular drugsintended to offset the consequences of atherosclerosis, includinghypertension, myocardial ischemia including angina, congestive heartfailure and myocardial infarction, selected from vasodilators such ashydralazine, β-adrenergic receptor antagonists such as propranolol,calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, α₂-adrenergic agonists suchas clonidine, α-adrenergic receptor antagonists such as prazosin andHMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors (anti-hypercholesterolemics) such aslovastatin or atorvastatin.

[0762] The compounds of the present invention may also be administeredin combination with one or more antibiotic, antifungal, antiprotozoal,antiviral or similar therapeutic agents.

[0763] The compounds of the present invention may also be used incombination with CNS agents such as antidepressants (such assertraline), anti-Parkinsonian drugs (such as L-dopa, requip, mirapex,MAOB inhibitors such as selegine and rasagiline, comP inhibitors such asTasmar, A-2 inhibitors, dopamine reuptake inhibitors, NMDA antagonists,nicotine agonists, dopamine agonists and inhibitors of neuronal nitricoxide synthase) and anti-Alzheimer's drugs such as donepezil, tacrine,COX-2 inhibitors, propentofylline or metryfonate.

[0764] The compounds of the present invention may also be used incombination with osteoporosis agents such as roloxifene, lasofoxifene,droloxifene or fosomax and immunosuppressant agents such as FK-506 andrapamycin.

[0765] The present invention also relates to the formulation of acompound of the present invention alone or with one or more othertherapeutic agents which are to form the intended combination, includingwherein said different drugs have varying half-lives, by creatingcontrolled-release forms of said drugs with different release timeswhich achieves relatively uniform dosing; or, in the case of non-humanpatients, a medicated feed dosage form in which said drugs used in thecombination are present together in admixture in the feed composition.There is further provided in accordance with the present inventionco-administration in which the combination of drugs is achieved by thesimultaneous administration of said drugs to be given in combination;including co-administration by means of different dosage forms androutes of administration; the use of combinations in accordance withdifferent but regular and continuous dosing schedules whereby desiredplasma levels of said drugs involved are maintained in the patient beingtreated, even though the individual drugs making up said combination arenot being administered to said patient simultaneously.

[0766] The invention method is useful in human and veterinary medicinesfor treating mammals suffering from one or more of the above-listeddiseases and disorders.

[0767] All that is required to practice a method of this invention is toadminister a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, in an amount that is therapeutically effective forpreventing, inhibiting, or reversing the condition being treated. Theinvention compound can be administered directly or in a pharmaceuticalcomposition as described below.

[0768] A therapeutically effective amount, or, simply, effective amount,of an invention compound will generally be from about 1 to about 300mg/kg of subject body weight of the compound of Formula I, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Typical doses will be fromabout 10 to about 5000 mg/day for an adult subject of normal weight foreach component of the combination. In a clinical setting, regulatoryagencies such as, for example, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”)in the U.S. may require a particular therapeutically effective amount.

[0769] In determining what constitutes a nontoxic effective amount or atherapeutically effective amount of an invention compound for treating,preventing, or reversing one or more symptoms of any one of the diseasesand disorders described above that are being treated according to theinvention methods, a number of factors will generally be considered bythe medical practitioner or veterinarian in view of the experience ofthe medical practitioner or veterinarian, including the Food and DrugAdministration guidelines, or guidelines from an equivalent agency,published clinical studies, the subject's (e.g., mammal's) age, sex,weight and general condition, as well as the type and extent of thedisease, disorder or condition being treated, and the use of othermedications, if any, by the subject. As such, the administered dose mayfall within the ranges or concentrations recited above, or may varyoutside them, ie, either below or above those ranges, depending upon therequirements of the individual subject, the severity of the conditionbeing treated, and the particular therapeutic formulation beingemployed. Determination of a proper dose for a particular situation iswithin the skill of the medical or veterinary arts. Generally, treatmentmay be initiated using smaller dosages of the invention compound thatare less than optimum for a particular subject. Thereafter, the dosagecan be increased by small increments until the optimum effect under thecircumstance is reached. For convenience, the total daily dosage may bedivided and administered in portions during the day, if desired.

[0770] Pharmaceutical compositions, described briefly here and morefully below, of an invention combination may be produced by formulatingthe invention combination in dosage unit form with a pharmaceuticalcarrier. Some examples of dosage unit forms are tablets, capsules,pills, powders, aqueous and nonaqueous oral solutions and suspensions,and parenteral solutions packaged in containers containing either one orsome larger number of dosage units and capable of being subdivided intoindividual doses. Alternatively, the invention compounds may beformulated separately.

[0771] Some examples of suitable pharmaceutical carriers, includingpharmaceutical diluents, are gelatin capsules; sugars such as lactoseand sucrose; starches such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulosederivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose,methyl cellulose, and cellulose acetate phthalate; gelatin; talc;stearic acid; magnesium stearate; vegetable oils such as peanut oil,cottonseed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil, and oil of theobroma;propylene glycol, glycerin; sorbitol; polyethylene glycol; water; agar;alginic acid; isotonic saline, and phosphate buffer solutions; as wellas other compatible substances normally used in pharmaceuticalformulations.

[0772] The compositions to be employed in the invention can also containother components such as coloring agents, flavoring agents, and/orpreservatives. These materials, if present, are usually used inrelatively small amounts. The compositions can, if desired, also containother therapeutic agents commonly employed to treat any of theabove-listed diseases and disorders.

[0773] The percentage of the active ingredients of a compound of FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the foregoingcompositions can be varied within wide limits, but for practicalpurposes it is preferably present in a total concentration of at least10% in a solid composition and at least 2% in a primary liquidcomposition. The most satisfactory compositions are those in which amuch higher proportion of the active ingredients are present, forexample, up to about 95%.

[0774] Preferred routes of administration of an invention compound areoral or parenteral. However, another route of administration may bepreferred depending upon the condition being treated. For exampled,topical administration or administration by injection may be preferredfor treating conditions localized to the skin or a joint. Administrationby transdermal patch may be preferred where, for example, it isdesirable to effect sustained dosing.

[0775] It should be appreciated that the different routes ofadministration may require different dosages. For example, a usefulintravenous (“IV”) dose is between 5 and 50 mg, and a useful oral dosageis between 20 and 800 mg, of a compound of Formula I, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The dosage is within thedosing range used in treatment of the above-listed diseases, or as wouldbe determined by the needs of the patient as described by the physician.

[0776] The invention compounds may be administered in any form.Preferably, administration is in unit dosage form. A unit dosage form ofthe invention compound to be used in this invention may also compriseother compounds useful in the therapy of diseases described above. Afurther description of pharmaceutical formulations useful foradministering the invention compounds and invention combinations isprovided below.

[0777] The active components of the invention combinations, may beformulated together or separately and may be administered together orseparately. The particular formulation and administration regimens usedmay be tailored to the particular patient and condition being treated bya practitioner of ordinary skill in the medical or pharmaceutical arts.

[0778] The advantages of using an invention compound in a method of theinstant invention include the nontoxic nature of the compounds at andsubstantially above therapeutically effective doses, their ease ofpreparation, the fact that the compounds are well-tolerated, and theease of topical, IV, or oral administration of the drugs.

[0779] Another important advantage is that the present inventioncompounds more effectively target a particular disease that isresponsive to inhibition of MMP-13 with fewer undesirable side effectsthan similar compounds that inhibit MMP-13 that are not inventioncompounds. This is so because the instant invention compounds of FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, do not directly, orindirectly via a bridging water molecule, ligate, coordinate to, or bindto the catalytic zinc cation of MMP-13, but instead bind at a differentlocation from where natural substrate binds to MMP-13. The bindingrequirements of an allosteric MMP-13 binding site are unique to MMP-13,and account for the specificity of the invention compounds forinhibiting MMP-13 over any other MMP enzyme. This binding mode has notbeen reported in the art. Indeed, prior art inhibitors of MMP-13 bind tothe catalytic zinc cations of other MMP enzymes as well as to thecatalytic zinc cation of MMP-13, and are consequently significantly lessselective inhibitors of MMP-13 enzyme.

[0780] The invention compounds which are invention compounds, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are thus therapeuticallysuperior to other inhibitors of MMP-13, or even tumor necrosisfactor-alpha converting enzyme (“TACE”), because of fewer undesirableside effects from inhibition of the other MMP enzymes or TACE. Forexample, virtually all prior art MMP inhibitors tested clinically todate have exhibited an undesirable side effect known as muscoloskeletalsyndrome (“MSS”). MSS is associated with administering an inhibitor ofmultiple MMP enzymes or an inhibitor of a particular MMP enzyme such asMMP-1. MSS will be significantly reduced in type and severity byadministering the invention compound instead of any prior art MMP-13inhibitor, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The inventioncompounds are superior to similar compounds that interact with thecatalytic zinc cation of the MMP-13 enzyme as discussed above, even ifsimilar compounds show some selectivity for the MMP-13.

[0781] It is expected that nearly all, if not all, compounds of FormulaI, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are inventioncompounds.

[0782] This advantage of the instant compounds will also significantlyincrease the likelihood that agencies which regulate new drug approvals,such as the United States Food and Drug Administration, will approve theinstant compounds versus a competing similar compound that does notallosterically bind to MMP-13 as discussed above even in the unlikelyevent that the two compounds behaved similarly in clinical trials. Theseregulatory agencies are increasingly aware that clinical trials, whichtest drug in limited population groups, do not always uncover safetyproblems with a drug, and thus all other things being equal, theagencies will favor the drug with the lowest odds of producingundesirable side effects.

[0783] Another important advantage is that the disease modifyingproperties of the invention compounds provide patients suffering fromcartilage damage, arthritis, preferably osteoarthritis, inflammationand/or pain with both relief of symptoms and prevention or inhibition ofthe underlying disease pathology such as cartilage degradation. There isno currently approved drug for disease modification of cartilage damage,including in osteoarthritis.

[0784] Any invention compound is readily available, either commercially,or by synthetic methodology, well known to those skilled in the art oforganic chemistry. For specific syntheses, see the examples below andthe preparations of invention compound outlined in the Schemes below.

[0785] Intermediates for the synthesis of a compound of Formula I, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be prepared by one ofordinary skill in the art of organic chemistry by adapting varioussynthetic procedures incorporated by reference above or that arewell-known in the art of organic chemistry. These synthetic proceduresmay be found in the literature in, for example, Reagents for OrganicSynthesis, by Fieser and Fieser, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York, 2000;Comprehensive Organic Transformations, by Richard C. Larock, VCHPublishers, Inc, New York, 1989; the series Compendium of OrganicSynthetic Methods, 1989, by Wiley-Interscience; the text AdvancedOrganic Chemistry, 4^(th) edition, by Jerry March, Wiley-Interscience,New York, 1992; or the Handbook of Heterocyclic Chemistry by Alan R.Katritzky, Pergamon Press Ltd, London, 1985, to name a few.Alternatively, a skilled artisan may find methods useful for preparingthe intermediates in the chemical literature by searching widelyavailable databases such as, for example, those available from theChemical Abstracts Service, Columbus, Ohio, or MDL Information SystemsGmbH (formerly Beilstein Information Systems GmbH), Frankfurt, Germany.

[0786] Preparations of the invention compounds may use startingmaterials, reagents, solvents, and catalysts that may be purchased fromcommercial sources or they may be readily prepared by adaptingprocedures in the references or resources cited above. Commercialsources of starting materials, reagents, solvents, and catalysts usefulin preparing invention compounds include, for example, The AldrichChemical Company, and other subsidiaries of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation,St. Louis, Mo., BACHEM, BACHEM A.G., Switzerland, or Lancaster SynthesisLtd, United Kingdom.

[0787] Syntheses of some invention compounds may utilize startingmaterials, intermediates, or reaction products that contain a reactivefunctional group. During chemical reactions, a reactive functional groupmay be protected from reacting by a protecting group that renders thereactive functional group substantially inert to the reaction conditionsemployed. A protecting group is introduced onto a starting materialprior to carrying out the reaction step for which a protecting group isneeded. Once the protecting group is no longer needed, the protectinggroup can be removed. It is well within the ordinary skill in the art tointroduce protecting groups during a synthesis of a compound of FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and then later removethem. Procedures for introducing and removing protecting groups areknown and referenced such as, for example, in Protective Groups inOrganic Synthesis, 2^(nd) ed., Greene T. W. and Wuts P. G., John Wiley &Sons, New York: New York, 1991, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

[0788] Thus, for example, protecting groups such as the following may beutilized to protect amino, hydroxyl, and other groups: carboxylic acylgroups such as, for example, formyl, acetyl, and trifluoroacetyl;alkoxycarbonyl groups such as, for example, ethoxycarbonyl,tert-butoxycarbonyl (BOC), β,β,β-trichloroethoxycarbonyl (TCEC), andβ-iodoethoxycarbonyl; aralkyloxycarbonyl groups such as, for example,benzyloxycarbonyl (CBZ), para-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, and9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC); trialkylsilyl groups such as, forexample, trimethylsilyl (TMS) and tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS); andother groups such as, for example, triphenylmethyl (trityl),tetrahydropyranyl, vinyloxycarbonyl, ortho-nitrophenylsulfenyl,diphenylphosphinyl, para-toluenesulfonyl (Ts), mesyl,trifluoromethanesulfonyl, and benzyl. Examples of procedures for removalof protecting groups include hydrogenolysis of CBZ groups using, forexample, hydrogen gas at 50 psi in the presence of a hydrogenationcatalyst such as 10% palladium on carbon, acidolysis of BOC groupsusing, for example, hydrogen chloride in dichloromethane,trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in dichloromethane, and the like, reaction ofsilyl groups with fluoride ions, and reductive cleavage of TCEC groupswith zinc metal.

[0789] A general synthesis of the compounds of Formula I is outlinedbelow in Scheme 1. For illustration purposes, Scheme 1 describes thepreparation of a compound of Formula I wherein Q is a carbon-carbontriple bond, Y is C(═O), W¹ is N, R⁴, W², W³, and W⁴ are each CH, and nis 0. In principle, any compound of Formula I wherein Q is acarbon-carbon triple bond may be prepared according to the procedureoutlined in Scheme 1.

[0790] Scheme 1.

[0791] wherein R¹ and R² are as defined above for Formula I.

[0792] In Scheme 1, a suspension of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-3-azaisoquinoline(A) can be alkylated in an aprotic solvent such as dimethylformamidewhen treated with a common alkylating agent such as an alkyl halide orbenzyl halide, generally in the presence of a base such as cesiumcarbonate, potassium carbonate, or triethylamine.

[0793] The alkylated isoquinoline (B) can be further reacted with avariety of alkynes using standard coupling conditions known to thoseskilled in the art, for example, using a catalyst such as Pd(PPh₃)₄ orPdCl₂((PPh₃)₂, with or without an accompanying ligand, and in thepresence of a base, such as triethylamine or diisopropylamine, to givecompounds of this invention (C). Where appropriate, cleavage of t-butylprotecting groups is carried out under standard conditions, for example,moderately acidic hydrolysis, to afford the carboxylic acid.

[0794] The invention compounds can be isolated and purified by standardmethods such as crystallization from solvents such as alkanes, alkylesters and ethyl acetate, and chromatography over solid supports such assilica gel, eluting with solvents such as dichloromethane, acetonitrile,tetrahydrofuran, hexanes, ethyl acetate.

[0795] The synthesis is further illustrated in Scheme 2a below.

[0796] Scheme 2a.

[0797] wherein R¹ and R are as defined above for Formula I.

[0798] Compounds of Formula I wherein W¹ is N and W² to W⁴ are each C-R⁷are also known as phthalazinone derivatives. Phthalazinone derivativesmay also be prepared according to the procedures referenced below forFIG. 1.

[0799] In FIG. 1, a bromo-substituted phthalazinone of formula (D) and acarboxylic acid ester of formula (E) may be prepared according to theprocedure described in Chem. Pharm. Bull., 1985;33(7):2809-2820.Compounds of formulas (D) and (E) may be used to prepare compounds ofFormula III, which are compounds of Formula I wherein Y is C(O) and Q isa carbon-carbon triple bond, amide, or ester linker. FIG. 1.

[0800] wherein R¹ and R² are as defined above for Formula I.

[0801] Compounds of Formula I wherein one of W², W³, and W⁴ is N and W¹the other two of W², W³, and W⁴ are each C—R⁷ are also known asnaphthyridine derivatives. Naphthyridine derivatives may also beprepared according to the procedures referenced below for FIG. 2.

[0802] In FIG. 2, bromo-substituted naphthyridines or carboxylic acidester naphthyridines of formulas (F), (G), and (H), wherein R is Br or,for example, EtOC(O), respectively, may be prepared according to theprocedure described in Chem. Pharm. Bull., 1985;33(2):626-633. Compoundsof formulas (F), (G), and (H) may be used to prepare compounds ofFormula IV, V, and VI, respectively, which are compounds of Formula Iwherein Y is C(O) and Q is a carbon-carbon triple bond, amide, or esterlinker.

[0803] FIG. 2.

[0804] Compounds of Formula I wherein one of W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ is N,the other three of W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ are each C—R⁷, Q is a heterocycliclinker, and Y is C(O) may be prepared according to the proceduresoutlined below in Scheme 2b. These are compounds of Formula (VII),wherein V and X are as defined above.

[0805] In Scheme 2b, bromo-substituted compounds of formula (I) may beconverted, for example, to carboxylic acid esters of formula (J) usingconventional carbonylation methods. Alkylation of the compounds offormula (J), followed by hydrolysis will afford the carboxylic acidintermediate of formula (K), which can then be used to make several ofthe heterocyclic linkers, including compounds of Formula (VII).

[0806] Illustrative examples of the synthesis of compounds of Formula Iare described below in the Examples.

EXAMPLE 1A4-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

[0807] Step (1): 4-(7-Bromo-1-oxo-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

[0808] A suspension of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-3-azaisoquinoline (7.02 g, 28.2mmol) in dimethylformamide (75 mL) is treated with 4-bromomethylbenzoicacid tert-butyl ester (12.5 g, 36.7 mmol) and cesium carbonate (11.94 g,36.7 mmol), then stirred overnight at room temperature. Thedimethylformamide is evaporated in vacuo, the residue is diluted withethyl acetate, washed with 1N HCl, the organic portion washed withbrine, dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The residue istriturated with hot hexanes/ethyl acetate, cooled to room temperature,and the solid is collected by filtration and dried to give the desiredproduct.

[0809] Step (2):4-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]BenzoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

[0810] A solution of4-(7-bromo-1-oxo-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzoic acid tert-butylester (1.50 g, 3.62 mmol) in dimethylformamide (10 mL) is degassed withnitrogen, then treated with triethyl-amine (2.07 mL, 14.8 mmol), CuI(0.050 g, 0.26 mmol), Pd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.173 g, 0.15 mmol), and3-phenyl-1-propyne (1.13 mL, 9.05 mmol). The reaction mixture is heatedin an oil bath at 65° C. for 5 hours, cooled to room temperature, theDMF is evaporated, and the residue is dissolved in ethyl acetate. Thesolution is washed with 1N HCl, brine, dried over MgSO₄ and evaporatedonto silica gel. Purification on a 3.5×18 cm silica gel column elutedwith hexane/ethyl acetate 4:1, followed by drying, will afford thedesired product.

[0811]¹H-NMR (CDCl₃); d 8.53 (d, 1H), 7.95-7.93 (d, 2H), 7.67-7.65 (dd,1H), 7.43-7.41 (d, 3H), 7.36-7.31 (m, 4H), 7.28-7.24 (m, 1H), 7.04-7.03(d, 1H), 6.4 (d, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 2H), 1.57 (s, 9H). MS:M⁺+1=450.2 Da

EXAMPLE 14-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicAcid

[0812]

[0813] A solution of4-[1-oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester [0.20 g, 0.44 mmol, Example 1A, Step (2)] istreated with trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL) and the reaction mixturestirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The solution is evaporatedto dryness, the residue is dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed withwater, brine, dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The brownsolid is triturated with acetonitrile, the solid collected byfiltration, and washed with acetonitrile. The solid is then dissolved inhot ethyl acetate, evaporated onto silica gel, and purified on a 2.5×10cm silica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 1:1, followed byethyl acetate. Drying will afford the purified product.

EXAMPLE 27-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one

[0814] Step (1):7-Bromo-2-(4-triflurormethylbenzyl)-2H-5-azaisoquionlin-one

[0815] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-5-azaisoquinoline (1.00 g,4.40 mmol) using 4-trifluoromethyl-benzyl bromide (1.60 g, 6.69 mmol)and cesium carbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide iscarried out as previously described in Example 1, Step (1). Purificationon a silica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 2:1, followedby trituration with hexanes/ethyl acetate 4:1 will afford the desiredproduct.

[0816] Step (2):7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one

[0817] The coupling of7-bromo-2-(4-triflurormethylbenzyl)-2H-5-azaisoquionlin-one (1.16 g,3.04 mmol) with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.94 mL, 7.6 mmol) usingtriethylamine (0.84 mL, 6.10 mmol), CuI (0.041 g, 0.22 mmol), andPd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.14 g, 0.12 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out asdescribed in Example 1, Step (2). The compound is purified on a 3.5×18cm silica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1, thentriturated with ether and recrystallized from hexanes/ethyl acetate togive the desired product.

EXAMPLE 32-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one

[0818] Step (1): 7-Bromo-2-(3-fluorobenzyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one

[0819] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-5-azaisoquinoline (1.00 g,4.40 mmol) using 3-fluorobenzyl bromide (1.27 g, 6.69 mmol) and cesiumcarbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out aspreviously described in Example 1, Step (1). Purification on a silicagel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1, followed bytrituration with hexanes/ethyl acetate 4:1 will afford the desiredproduct.

[0820] Step (2):2-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one

[0821] The coupling of7-bromo-2-(3-fluorobenzyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one (0.60 g, 1.81 mmol)with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.56 mL, 4.5 mmol) using triethylamine (1.03mL, 7.4 mmol), CuI (0.025 g, 0.13 mmol), and Pd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.087 g, 0.075mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out as described in Example 1,Step (2). The compound is purified by preparative HPLC to give thedesired product.

EXAMPLE 43-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzonitrile

[0822] Step (1):3-(7-Bromo-1-oxo-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzonitrile

[0823] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-6-azaisoquinoline (1.00 g,4.40 mmol) using 3-cyanobenzyl bromide (1.31 g, 6.69 mmol) and cesiumcarbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out aspreviously described in Example 1, Step (1). Purification on a silicagel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1, followed bytrituration with hexanes/ethyl acetate 4:1 will afford the desiredproduct.

[0824] Step (2):3-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzonitrile

[0825] The coupling of3-(7-bromo-1-oxo-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzonitrile (0.85 g,2.51 mmol) with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.78 mL, 6.3 mmol) usingtriethylamine (0.70 mL, 5.0 mmol), CuI (0.034 g, 0.18 mmol), andPd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.20 g, 0.17 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out asdescribed in Example 1, Step (2). Purification is carried out on asilica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1 to give thedesired product.

EXAMPLE 54-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzenesulfonamide

[0826] Step (1):4-(7-Bromo-1-oxo-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzenesulfonamide

[0827] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-6-azaisoquinoline (1.00 g,4.40 mmol) using 4-bromomethyl-benzene sulfonamide (1.67 g, 6.69 mmol)and cesium carbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide iscarried out as previously described in Example 1, Step (1). Purificationon a silica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1, followedby trituration with hexanes/ethyl acetate 4:1 will afford the desiredproduct.

[0828] Step (2):4-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzenesulfonamide

[0829] The coupling of4-(7-bromo-1-oxo-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzenesulfonamide (0.71g, 1.81 mmol) with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.56 mL, 4.51 mmol) usingtriethylamine (0.50 mL, 3.61 mmol), CuI (0.025 g, 0.13 mmol), andPd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.084 g, 0.07 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out asdescribed in Example 1, Step (2). Purification is carried out on asilica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1 to give thedesired product.

EXAMPLE 64-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicAcid Methyl Ester

[0830] Step (1): 4-(7-Bromo-1-oxo-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzoicAcid Methyl Ester

[0831] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-8-azaisoquinoline (1.00 g,4.46 mmol) using methyl 4-(bromomethyl)benzoate (1.53 g, 6.69 mmol) andcesium carbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried outas previously described in Example 1, Step (1). The solid iscrystallized from hexanes/ethyl acetate 2:1, the white crystalscollected by filtration and dried to give the desired product.

[0832] Step (2):4-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]BenzoicAcid Methyl Ester

[0833] The coupling of4-(7-bromo-1-oxo-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzoic acid methylester (0.35 g, 0.94 mmol) with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.29 mL, 2.35 mmol)using triethylamine (0.54 mL, 3.86 mmol), CuI (0.013 g, 0.07 mmol), andPd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.043 g, 0.04 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out asdescribed in Example 1, Step (2). Purification on a silica gel columneluted with hexane/ethyl acetate 2:1, followed by drying, will affordthe desired product.

EXAMPLE 73-[1-oxo-7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicAcid Methyl Ester

[0834] Step (1): 3-(7-Bromo-1-oxo-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzoicAcid Methyl Ester

[0835] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-8-azaisoquinoline (1.00 g,4.46 mmol) using methyl 3-(bromomethyl)benzoate (1.53 g, 6.69 mmol) andcesium carbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide is carriedout as previously described in Example 1, Step (1). Purification on asilica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1, followed bytrituration with hexanes/ethyl acetate 4:1 will afford the desiredproduct.

[0836] Step (2):3-[1-oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid methyl ester

[0837] The coupling of3-(7-bromo-1-oxo-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzoic acid methylester (1.20 g, 3.22 mmol) with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (1.00 mL, 8.06 mmol)using triethylamine (0.92 mL, 6.60 mmol), CuI (0.044 g, 0.23 mmol), andPd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.15 g, 0.13 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out asdescribed in Example 1, Step (2). A portion of the resulting red oil ispurified on the preparatory HPLC using 80:20 acetonitrile/water (0.1%TFA), evaporated to dryness, dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed withsaturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried over MgSO₄ andevaporated to dryness. Drying will afford the desired product.

EXAMPLE 82-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-7-3-phenylprop-1-ynyl-2H-3,5-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0838] Step (1):7-Bromo-2-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2H-3,5-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0839] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-3,5-diazaisoquinoline (1.00g, 4.46 mmol) using methyl 4-fluoro-benzyl bromide (1.27 g, 6.69 mmol)and cesium carbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide iscarried out as previously described in Example 1, Step (1). Purificationon a silica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1, followedby trituration with hexanes/ethyl acetate 4:1 will afford the desiredproduct.

[0840] Step (2):2-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-7-3-phenylprop-1-ynyl-2H-3,5-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0841] The coupling of7-bromo-2-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2H-3,5-diazaisoquinolin-1-one (0.88 g, 2.65mmol) with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.82 mL, 6.62 mmol) using triethylamine(1.51 mL, 10.8 mmol), CuI (0.036 g, 0.19 mmol), and Pd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.13 g,0.11 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out as described in Example1, Step (2). The resulting red oil is purified on the preparatory HPLCusing 80:20 acetonitrile/water (0.1% TFA), evaporated to dryness,dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with saturated aqueous sodiumbicarbonate solution, dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to dryness. Dryingwill afford the desired product.

EXAMPLE 97-(3-Phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-2H-3,6-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0842] Step (1):7-Bromo-2-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-2H-3,6-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0843] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-3,6-diazaisoquinoline (1.00g, 4.46 mmol) using 3-trifluoromethyl-benzyl bromide (1.60 g, 6.69 mmol)and cesium carbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide iscarried out as previously described in Example 1, Step (1). Purificationon a silica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1, followedby trituration with hexanes/ethyl acetate 4:1 will afford the desiredproduct.

[0844] Step (2):7-(3-Phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-2H-3,6-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0845] The coupling of7-bromo-2-(3-trifluoromethyl)-2H-3,6-diazaisoquinolin-1-one (1.22 g,3.20 mmol) with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.93 mL, 8.0 mmol) usingtriethylamine (1.82 mL, 13.1 mmol), CuI (0.043 g, 0.23 mmol), andPd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.15 g, 0.13 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out asdescribed in Example 1, Step (2). The resulting red oil is purified onthe preparatory HPLC using 80:20 acetonitrile/water (0.1% TFA), washedwith saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried over MgSO₄ andevaporated to dryness. Drying will afford the desired product.

EXAMPLE 102-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2H-3,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0846] Step (1):7-Bromo-2-(3-chlorobenzyl)-2H-3,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0847] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-3,8-diazaisoquinoline (1.00g, 4.46 mmol) using 3-chlorobenzyl bromide (1.37 g, 6.69 mmol) andcesium carbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide is carriedout as previously described in Example 1, Step (1). Trituration withhexanes/ethyl acetate 10:1 will afford the desired product.

[0848] Step 2):2-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2H-3,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0849] The coupling of7-bromo-2-(3-chlorobenzyl)-2H-3,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one (0.80 g, 2.29mmol) with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.71 mL, 5.74 mmol) using triethylamine(0.64 mL, 4.59 mmol), CuI (0.031 g, 0.16 mmol), and Pd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.106 g,0.092 mmol) in dimethylformamide (6 mL) is carried out as described inExample 1, Step (2). The resulting red oil is evaporated onto silica geland purified on a 3.5×20 cm silica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethylacetate 3:1. Drying will afford the desired product.

EXAMPLE 112-(3,4-Difluorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2H-5,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0850] Step (1):7-Bromo-2-(3,4-difluorobenzyl)-2-5,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0851] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-5,8-diazaisoquinoline (1.00g, 4.46 mmol) using 3,4-difluorobenzyl bromide (1.38 g, 6.69 mmol) andcesium carbonate (2.18 g, 6.69 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide is carriedout as previously described in Example 1, Step (1). Trituration withhexanes/ethyl acetate 10:1 will afford the desired product.

[0852] Step (2):2-(3,4-Difluorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2H-5,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one

[0853] The coupling of7-bromo-2-(3,4-difluorobenzyl)-2H-5,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one (0.80 g,2.28 mmol) with 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.71 mL, 5.74 mmol) usingtriethylamine (0.64 mL, 4.59 mmol), CuI (0.031 g, 0.16 mmol), andPd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.106 g, 0.092 mmol) in dimethylformamide (6 mL) is carriedout as described in Example 1, Step (2). The resulting red oil isevaporated onto silica gel and purified on a 3.5×20 cm silica gel columneluted with hexanes/ethyl acetate 3:1. The resulting red solid istriturated with ethyl ether and dried. This will afford the desiredproduct.

EXAMPLE 122-(3,5-Difluoro-4-hydroxybenzyl)-7-[3-(4H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-yl)prop-1-ynyl]-2H-3-azaisoquinolin-1-one

[0854] Step (1):7-Bromo-2-(3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2-3-azaisoquinolin-1-one

[0855] The alkylation of 7-bromo-1-hydroxy-3-azaisoquinoline (1.30 g,5.80 mmol) using 4-bromomethyl-2,6-difluorophenol (1.68 g, 7.54 mmol)and cesium carbonate (2.46 g, 7.54 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide iscarried out as previously described in Example 1, Step (1). The solid iscollected by filtration, washed with water, ethyl acetate, and allowedto air dry under house vacuum. Drying will afford the desired product.

[0856] Step (2):2-(3,5-Difluoro-4-hydroxybenzyl)-7-[3-(4H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-yl)prop-1-ynyl]-2H-3-azaisoquinolin-1-one

[0857] The coupling of7-bromo-2-(3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzyl)-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-1-one (0.57g, 1.56 mmol) with 4-prop-2-ynyl-4H-triazole (0.41 g, 3.90 mmol) usingtriethylamine (0.43 mL, 3.1 1 mmol), CuI (0.021 g, 0.11 mmol), andPd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.073 g, 0.06 mmol) in dimethylformamide is carried out asdescribed in Example 1, Step (2). Purification on a silica gel columneluted with hexane/ethyl acetate 4:1, ethyl acetate, methylenechloride/THF 9:1, and methylene chloride/THF 4:1, followed by drying,will afford the desired product.

EXAMPLE 13A4-[7-(3-Imidazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1-oxo-1H-5-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

[0858]

[0859] The coupling of4-(7-bromo-1-oxo-1H-5-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzoic acid tert-butylester (0.80 g, 1.93 mmol) with 4-prop-2-ynyl-4H-triazole (0.41 g, 3.86mmol) using triethylamine (1.08 mL, 7.22 mmol), CuI (0.026 g, 0.14mmol), and Pd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.15 g, 0.13 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide iscarried out as described in Example 1, Step (2). Purification on asilica gel column eluted with hexane/ethyl acetate 2:1, ethyl acetate,and methylene chloride/THF 4:1, followed by drying, will afford thedesired product.

EXAMPLE 134-[7-(3-Imidazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1-oxo-1H-5-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]BenzoicAcid

[0860]

[0861] A solution of4-[7-(3-imidazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1-oxo-1H-5-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.38 g, 0.86 mmol, Example 13A) is treated withtrifluoroacetic acid (6 mL) and stirred at room temperature for 30minutes. The reaction mixture is evaporated to dryness, triturated withethyl acetate, the solid is collected by filtration, washed with water,washed with ethyl acetate, and dried under house vacuum. This willafford the desired product.

EXAMPLE 14A4-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]Triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

[0862]

[0863] The coupling of4-(7-bromo-1-oxo-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzoic acid tert-butylester (0.70 g, 1.69 mmol) with 1-prop-2-ynyl-1H-imidazole (0.45 g, 4.22mmol) using triethylamine (0.94 mL, 6.76 mmol), CuI (0.023 g, 0.12mmol), and Pd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.08 g, 0.07 mmol) in dimethyl-formamide iscarried out as described in Example 1, Step (2). The silica gel mesh ispurified on a 3.5×18 cm silica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethylacetate 1:1, methylene chloride/THF 7:1, then methylene chloride/THF4:1. Evaporation and drying will afford the desired product.

EXAMPLE 144-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]Triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicAcid

[0864]

[0865] A solution of4-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.29 g, 0.66 mmol, Example 14A) is treated withtrifluoroacetic acid (10 mL) and stirred at room temperature for 40minutes. The reaction mixture is evaporated to dryness, triturated withethyl acetate, the solid collect by filtration, washed with water,washed with ethyl acetate, and dried under house vacuum. This willafford the desired product.

EXAMPLE 15A4-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,4]Triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-3,5,8-triazaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicAcid tert-Butyl Ester

[0866]

[0867] The coupling of4-(7-bromo-1-oxo-1H-3,5,8-triazaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)benzoic acidtert-butyl ester (0.70 g, 1.69 mmol) with 1-prop-2-ynyl-1H-imidazole(0.45 g, 4.22 mmol) using triethylamine (0.94 mL, 6.76 mmol), CuI (0.023g, 0.12 mmol), and Pd(Ph₃P)₄ (0.08 g, 0.07 mmol) in dimethyl-formamideis carried out as described in Example 1, Step (2). The silica gel meshis purified on a 3.5×18 cm silica gel column eluted with hexanes/ethylacetate 1:1, methylene chloride/THF 7:1, then methylene chloride/THF4:1. Evaporation and drying will afford the desired product.

EXAMPLE 154-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,4]Triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-3,5,8-triazaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicAcid

[0868]

[0869] A solution of4-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,4]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-3,5,8-triazaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester (0.46 g, 1.04 mmol, Example 15A) is treated withtrifluoroacetic acid (10 mL) and stirred at room temperature for 40minutes. The reaction mixture is evaporated to dryness, triturated withethyl acetate, the solid is collected by filtration, washed with water,washed with ethyl acetate, and dried under house vacuum. This willafford the desired product.

[0870] It should be appreciated that when Q is trans-(H)C═C(H),cis-(H)C═C(H), C≡C, CH₂C≡C, or CF₂C≡C and is bonded to a sp² carbon atomin Formula I, a palladium catalyzed coupling of the correspondingterminal olefin or alkyne of formulas R¹-(trans-(H)C═CH₂),R¹-(cis-(H)C═CH₂), R¹—C≡CH, R¹—CH₂C≡CH, or R¹—CF₂C≡CH, wherein R¹ is asdefined above, with a bromo- or iodo-substituted sp² carbon atom offormula:

[0871] in the presence of a suitable base will yield a compound ofFormula I wherein Q is trans-(H)C═C(H), cis-(H)C═C(H), C≡C, CH₂C≡C, orCF₂C≡C and D is a group that is bonded to Q at a sp² carbon atom, andR¹, V, and R² are as defined above for Formula I. Illustrative examplesof the coupling reagents and catalysts include palladiumtetrakis(triphenylphosphine) or palladium(II) acetate as catalyst, atertiary organic amine base such as triethylamine ordiisopropylethylamine, a suitable solvent such as dimethylformamide(“DMF”) or tetrahydrofuran (“THF”), and optionally a co-catalyst such ascopper(I)iodide, at a suitable temperature such as from 0° C. to 100°C., for a suitable time such as from 30 minutes to 2 days, and under aninert atmosphere such as an atmosphere of nitrogen or argon gas.

[0872] Alternatively, a corresponding aldehyde of formula

[0873] prepared as described below, may be coupled with a phosphoniumylide under Wittig olefination, or Horner-Emmons olefination, conditionsto give a compound of Formula I wherein Q is trans-(H)C═C(H).

[0874] The bromo or iodo intermediates described above may be convertedby conventional means to the corresponding carboxylic acid of formula

[0875] and the carboxylic acid converted by conventional means tocompounds of Formula I wherein Q is OC(O), CH(R⁶)C(O), OC(NR⁶),CH(R⁶)C(NR⁶), N(R⁶)C(O), N(R⁶)C(S), N(R⁶)C(NR⁶), SC(O), CH(R⁶)C(S), orSC(NR⁶). Illustrative examples include coupling of the carboxylic acidwith an amine to provide a compound of Formula I wherein Q is N(R⁶)C(O),and optionally sulfurating the resulting amide with, for example P₂S₅ toprovide a compound of Formula I wherein Q is N(R⁶)C(S). Alternatively,the carboxylic acid may be coupled with an alcohol to provide a compoundof Formula I wherein Q is OC(O).

[0876] Alternatively, the carboxylic acid may be reduced to thecorresponding hydroxymethyl compound of formula

[0877] and the hydroxymethyl converted to a compound of Formula Iwherein Q is OCH₂ or N(R⁶)CH₂ by conventional means.

[0878] Alternatively, the hydroxymethyl compound may be oxidized to thecorresponding aldehyde of formula

[0879] and the aldehyde coupled with hydroxylamine to give acorresponding oxime. The oxime may be chlorinated, and the chlorooximecyclized with an olefin or alkyne to give a compound of Formula Iwherein Q is a 5-membered heteroarylene.

[0880] Alternatively, the aldehyde may be prepared from thecorresponding carboxylic acid by coupling the carboxylic acid withN,O-dimethylhydroxylamine and reducing the resulting dimethylhydroxamidewith a suitable hydride reducing agent such as sodium borohydride orlithium aluminum hydride.

[0881] Alternatively, the above-described carboxylic acid intermediatemay be converted by conventional means to the corresponding methylketone of formula

[0882] and the methyl ketone may be halogenated on methyl and coupledwith various amines, alcohols, or other halogenated compounds to give acompound of Formula I wherein Q is CH(R⁶)C(O).

[0883] Alternatively, the above-described carboxylic acid intermediateor bromo- or iodo-intermediates may be converted by conventional meansto the corresponding nitrile of formula

[0884] and the nitrile condensed with an amine or alcohol undernon-nucleophilic basic conditions (e.g., 1,8-diazaundecane) to give acompound of Formula I wherein Q is N(R⁶)C(NR⁶) or OC(NR⁶), respectively.

[0885] Alternatively, compounds of Formula I wherein Q is a lactamdiradical may be prepared by conventional means by cyclizing thecorresponding gamma-amino acids.

[0886] The compounds of Formula I can be evaluated in standard assaysfor their ability to inhibit the catalytic activity of MMP enzymes. Theassays used to evaluate the MMP biological activity of the inventioncompounds are well-known and routinely used by those skilled in thestudy of MMP inhibitors and their use to treat clinical conditions. Forexample, compounds of Formula I may be readily identified by assaying atest compound for inhibition of MMP-13 according to Biological Methods 1or 2, and further assaying the test compound for allosteric inhibitionof MMP-13 according to Biological Methods 3 or 4, as described below.

[0887] The compounds of Formula I, as illustrated by the compounds ofExamples 1, 2-12, 13A, 13, 14A, 14, 15A, and 15 will be shown to bepotent inhibitors of MMP-13 catalytic domain. Potencies, as measured byIC₅₀'s, with MMP-13 catalytic domain for the invention compounds willtypically range from about 0.001 μM to about 30 μM.

[0888] Invention compounds can be further screened with full-lengthMMP-2, full-length MMP-7, full-length MMP-9, and MMP-14 catalytic domainto determine selectivity of the inhibitors with MMP-13 versus the otherMMP enzymes also. Selectivities of the invention compounds for MMP-13catalytic domain versus another MMP enzyme (full-length or catalyticdomain), as determined by dividing the IC₅₀ for the inhibitor with acomparator MMP enzyme by the IC₅₀ of the inhibitor with MMP-13 catalyticdomain, are expected to range from 5 to 50,000 fold.

[0889] To determine the inhibitory profiles, the compounds of Formula Imay be evaluated in standard assays for their ability to inhibit thecatalytic activity of various MMP enzymes. The assays used to evaluatethe MMP biological activity of the invention compounds are well-knownand routinely used by those skilled in the study of MMP inhibitors andtheir use to treat clinical conditions.

[0890] The assays measure the amount by which a test compound reducesthe hydrolysis of a thiopeptolide substrate catalyzed by a matrixmetalloproteinase enzyme. Such assays are described in detail by Ye etal., in Biochemistry, 1992;31(45):11231-11235, which is incorporatedherein by reference. One such assay is described below in BiologicalMethod 1.

[0891] Some of the particular methods described below use the catalyticdomain of the MMP-13 enzyme, namely matrix metalloproteinase-13catalytic domain (“MMP-13CD”), rather than the corresponding full-lengthenzyme, MMP-13. It has been shown previously by Ye Qi-Zhuang, Hupe D.,and Johnson L. (Current Medicinal Chemistry, 1996;3:407-418) thatinhibitor activity against a catalytic domain of an MMP is predictive ofthe inhibitor activity against the respective full-length MMP enzyme.

Biological Method 1

[0892] Thiopeptolide substrates show virtually no decomposition orhydrolysis at or below neutral pH in the absence of a matrixmetalloproteinase enzyme. A typical thiopeptolide substrate commonlyutilized for assays is Ac-Pro-Leu-Gly-thioester-Leu-Leu-Gly-OEt. A 100μL assay mixture will contain 50 mM ofN-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid buffer (“HEPES,” pH7.0), 10 mM CaCl₂, 100 μM thiopeptolide substrate, and 1 mM5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitro-benzoic acid) (DTNB). The thiopeptolidesubstrate concentration may be varied, for example from 10 to 800 μM toobtain K_(m) and K_(cat) values. The change in absorbance at 405 nm ismonitored on a Thermo Max microplate reader (molecular Devices, MenloPark, Calif.) at room temperature (22° C.). The calculation of theamount of hydrolysis of the thiopeptolide substrate is based onE₄₁₂=13600 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ for the DTNB-derived product3-carboxy-4-nitrothiophenoxide. Assays are carried out with and withoutmatrix metalloproteinase inhibitor compounds, and the amount ofhydrolysis is compared for a determination of inhibitory activity of thetest compounds.

[0893] Test compounds were evaluated at various concentrations in orderto determine their respective IC₅₀ values, the micromolar concentrationof compound required to cause a 50% inhibition of catalytic activity ofthe respective enzyme.

[0894] It should be appreciated that the assay buffer used with MMP-3CDwas 50 mM N-morpholinoethane sulfonate (“MES”) at pH 6.0 rather than theHEPES buffer at pH 7.0 described above.

[0895] The test described above for the inhibition of MMP-13 may also beadapted and used to determine the ability of the compounds of Formula Ito inhibit the matrix metalloproteases MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7,MMP-9, MMP-12 and MMP-14.

Biological Method 2

[0896] Some representative compounds of Formula I have been evaluatedfor their ability to inhibit MMP-13. Inhibitor activity versus otherMMPs with the compounds may be determined using, for example, MMP-1FL,which refers to full length interstitial collagenase; MMP-2FL, whichrefers to full length Gelatinase A; MMP-3CD, which refers to thecatalytic domain of stromelysin; MMP-7FL, which refers to full lengthmatrilysin; MMP-9FL, which refers to full length Gelatinase B; MMP-13CD,which refers to the catalytic domain of collagenase 3; and MMP-14CD,which refers to the catalytic domain of MMP-14. Test compounds can beevaluated at various concentrations in order to determine theirrespective IC₅₀ values, the micromolar concentration of compoundrequired to cause a 50% inhibition of the hydrolytic activity of therespective enzyme.

[0897] The results of the above assays with other MMPs will establishthat the compounds of Formula I are potent inhibitors of MMP enzymes,and are especially useful due to their selective inhibition of MMP-13.Because of this potent and selective inhibitory activity, the compoundsare especially useful to treat diseases mediated by the MMP enzymes.

[0898] Allosteric inhibitors of MMP-13 which are compounds of Formula Imay be readily identified by assaying a test compound for inhibition ofMMP-13 according to the methods described below in Biological Methods 3and 4.

Biological Method 3

[0899] Fluorigenic peptide-1 substrate based assay for identifyingcompounds of Formula I as allosteric inhibitors of MMP-13:

[0900] Final assay conditions:

[0901] 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.0)

[0902] 10 mM CaCl₂

[0903] 10 μM fluorigenic peptide-1 (“FP1”) substrate

[0904] 0 or 15 mM acetohydroxamic acid (AcNHOH)=1 K_(d)

[0905] 2% DMSO (with or without inhibitor test compound)

[0906] 0.5 nM MMP-13CD enzyme

[0907] Stock solutions:

[0908] 1) 10×assay buffer: 500 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.0) plus 100 mMCaCl₂

[0909] 2) 10 mM FP1 substrate:(Mca)-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-(Dnp)-Dpa-Ala-Arg-NH₂ (Bachem, M-1895; “A novelcoumarin-labeled peptide for sensitive continuous assays of the matrixmetalloproteinases,” Knight C. G., Willenbrock F., and Murphy, G., FEBSLett., 1992;296:263-266). Is prepared 10 mM stock by dissolving 5 mg FP1in 0.457 mL DMSO.

[0910] 3) 3 M AcNHOH: Is prepared by adding 4 mL H₂O and 1 mL 10×assaybuffer to 2.25 g AcNHOH (Aldrich 15,903-4). Adjusting pH to 7.0 withNaOH. Diluting volume to 10 mL with H₂O. Final solution will contain 3 MAcNHOH, 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.0), and 10 mM CaCl₂.

[0911] 4) AcNHOH dilution buffer: 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.0) plus 10 mMCaCl₂

[0912] 5) MMP-13CD enzyme: Stock concentration=250 nM.

[0913] 6) Enzyme dilution buffer: 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.0), 10 mMCaCl₂, and 0.005% BRIJ 35 detergent (Calbiochem 203728; Protein Grade,10%)

[0914] Procedure (for one 96-well microplate):

[0915] A. Prepared assay mixture:

[0916] 1100 μL 10×assay buffer

[0917] 11 μL 10 mM FP1

[0918] 55 μL 3 M AcNHOH or 55 μL AcNHOH dilution buffer

[0919] 8500 μL H₂O

[0920] B. Diluted MMP-13CD to 5 nM working stock:

[0921] 22 μL MMP-13CD (250 nM)

[0922] 1078 μL enzyme dilution buffer

[0923] C. Ran kinetic assay:

[0924] 1. Dispense 2 μL inhibitor test sample (in 100% DMSO) into well.

[0925] 2. Add 88 μL assay mixture and mix well, avoiding bubbles.

[0926] 3. Initiate reactions with 10 μL of 5 nM MMP-13CD; mix well,avoid bubbles.

[0927] 4. Immediately measure the kinetics of the reactions at roomtemperature.

[0928] Fluorimeter: F_(max) Fluorescence Microplate Reader & SOFTMAX PROVersion 1.1 software (Molecular Devices Corporation; Sunnyvale, Calif.94089).

[0929]  Protocol menu:

[0930] excitation: 320 nm emission: 405 nm

[0931] run time: 15 min interval: 29 sec

[0932] RFU min: −10 RFU max: 200

[0933] V_(max) points: 32/32

[0934] D. Compared % of control activity and/or IC₅₀ with inhibitor testcompound ±AcNHOH.

[0935] Hydrolysis of the fluorigenic peptide-1 substrate,[(Mca)Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-Dpa-Ala-Arg-NH₂; Bachem, catalog number M-1895],wherein “Mca” is (7-methoxy-coumarin-4-yl)acetyl and “Dpa” is(3-[2,4-dinitrophenyl]-L-2,3-diaminopropionyl), is used to screen forMMP-13 catalytic domain (CD) inhibitors. (Dpa may also be abbreviated as“Dnp”.) Reactions (100 μL) contain 0.05 M Hepes buffer (pH 7), 0.01 Mcalcium chloride, 0.005% polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether (“Brij 35”),0 or 15 mM acetohydroxamic acid, 10 μM FP1, and 0.1 mM to 0.5 nMinhibitor in DMSO (2% final).

[0936] After recombinant human MMP-13CD (0.5 nM final) is added toinitiate the reaction, the initial velocity of FP1 hydrolysis isdetermined by monitoring the increase in fluorescence at 405 nm (uponexcitation at 320 nm) continuously for up to 30 minutes on a microplatereader at room temperature. Alternatively, an endpoint read can also beused to determine reaction velocity provided the initial fluorescence ofthe solution, as recorded before addition of enzyme, is subtracted fromthe final fluorescence of the reaction mixture. The inhibitor is assayedat different concentration values, such as, for example, 100 μM, 10 μM,1 μM, 100 nM, 10 nM, and 1 nM. Then the inhibitor concentration isplotted on the X-axis against the percentage of control activityobserved for inhibited experiments versus uninhibited experiments (i.e.,(velocity with inhibitor) divided by (velocity without inhibitor)×100)on the Y-axis to determine IC₅₀ values. This determination is done forexperiments done in the presence, and experiments done in the absence,of acetohydroxamic acid. Data are fit to the equation: percent controlactivity=100/[1+(([I]/IC₅₀)^(slope))], where [I] is the inhibitorconcentration, IC₅₀ is the concentration of inhibitor where the reactionrate is 50% inhibited relative to the control, and slope is the slope ofthe IC₅₀ curve at the curve's inflection point, using nonlinearleast-squares curve-fitting equation regression.

[0937] Results may be expressed as an IC₅₀ Ratio (+/−) ratio, whichmeans a ratio of the IC₅₀ of the inhibitor with MMP-13 and an inhibitorto the catalytic zinc of MMP-13, divided by the IC₅₀ of the inhibitorwith MMP-13 without the inhibitor to the catalytic zinc of MMP-13.Compounds of Formula I which are allosteric inhibitors of MMP-13 areexpected to have an IC₅₀ Ratio (+/−) ratio of less than 1, and areexpected to be synergistic with the inhibitor to the catalytic zinc ofMMP-13 such as, for example, AcNHOH. Compounds of Formula I which arenot allosteric inhibitors of MMP-13 will be inactive in the assay orwill have an IC₅₀ Ratio (+/−) of greater than 1, unless otherwiseindicated. Results can be confirmed by kinetics experiments which arewell known in the biochemical art.

Biological Method 4

[0938] Fluorigenic peptide-1 based assay for identifying allostericinhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-13 catalytic domain (“MMP-13CD”):

[0939] In a manner similar to Biological Method 3, an assay is runwherein 1,10-phenanthroline is substituted for acetohydroxamic acid toidentify compounds of Formula I.

[0940] Animal models may be used to establish that the instant compoundsof Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, would beuseful for preventing, treating, and inhibiting cartilage damage, andthus for treating osteoarthritis, for example. Examples of such animalmodels are described below in Biological Methods 5 and 6.

Biological Method 5

[0941] Monosodium Iodoacetate-induced Osteoarthritis in Rat Model ofCartilage Damage (“MIA Rat”):

[0942] One end result of the induction of osteoarthritis in this model,as determined by histologic analysis, is the development of anosteoarthritic condition within the affected joint, as characterized bythe loss of Toluidine blue staining and formation of osteophytes.Associated with the histologic changes is a concentration-dependentdegradation of joint cartilage, as evidenced by affects on hind-pawweight distribution of the limb containing the affected joint, thepresence of increased amounts of proteoglycan or hydroxyproline in thejoint upon biochemical analysis, or histopathological analysis of theosteoarthritic lesions.

[0943] Generally, In the MIA Rat model on Day 0, the hind-paw weightdifferential between the right arthritic joint and the left healthyjoint of male Wistar rats (150 g) are determined with an incapacitancetester, model 2KG (Linton Instrumentation, Norfolk, United Kingdom). Theincapacitance tester has a chamber on top with an outwardly slopingfront wall that supports a rat's front limbs, and two weight sensingpads, one for each hind paw, that facilitates this determination. Thenthe rats are anesthetized with isofluorine, and the right, hind leg kneejoint is injected with 1.0 mg of mono-iodoacetate (“MIA”) through theinfrapatellar ligament. Injection of MIA into the joint results in theinhibition of glycolysis and eventual death of surrounding chondrocytes.The rats are further administered either an invention compound orvehicle (in the instant case, water) daily for 14 days or 28 days. Theinvention compound is typically administered at a dose of 30 mg perkilogram of rat per day (30 mg/kg/day), but the invention compound maybe administered at other doses such as, for example, 10 mg/kg/day, 60mg/kg/day, 90-mg/kg/day, or 100 mg/kg/day according to the requirementsof the compound being studied. It is well within the level of ordinaryskill in the pharmaceutical arts to determine a proper dosage of aninvention compound in this model. Administration of the inventioncompound in this model is optionally by oral administration orintravenous administration via an osmotic pump. After 7 and 14 days fora two-week study, or 7, 14, and 28 days for a four-week study, thehind-paw weight distribution is again determined. Typically, the animalsadministered vehicle alone place greater weight on their unaffected lefthind paw than on their right hind paw, while animals administered aninvention compound show a more normal (i.e., more like a healthy animal)weight distribution between their hind paws. This change in weightdistribution was proportional to the degree of joint cartilage damage.Percent inhibition of a change in hind paw joint function is calculatedas the percent change in hind-paw weight distribution for treatedanimals versus control animals. For example, for a two week study,${{Percent}\quad {inhibition}\quad {of}\quad a\quad {change}\quad {in}\quad {hind}\quad {paw}\quad {joint}\quad {function}} = {\{ {1 - \lbrack \frac{( {\Delta \quad W_{G}} )}{( {\Delta \quad W_{C}} )} \rbrack} \} \times 100}$

[0944] wherein ΔW_(C) is the hind-paw weight differential between thehealthy left limb and the arthritic limb of the control animaladministered vehicle alone, as measured on Day 14; and

[0945] ΔW_(G) is the hind-paw weight differential between the healthyleft limb and the arthritic limb of the animal administered an inventioncompound, as measured on Day 14.

[0946] In order to measure biochemical or histopathological end pointsin the MIA Rat model, some of the animals in the above study may besacrificed, and the amounts of free proteoglycan in both theosteoarthritic right knee joint and the contralateral left knee jointmay be determined by biochemical analysis. The amount of freeproteoglycan in the contralateral left knee joint provides a baselinevalue for the amount of free proteoglycan in a healthy joint. The amountof proteoglycan in the osteoarthritic right knee joint in animalsadministered an invention compound, and the amount of proteoglycan inthe osteoarthritic right knee joint in animals administered vehiclealone, are independently compared to the amount of proteoglycan in thecontralateral left knee joint. The amounts of proteoglycan lost in theosteoarthritic right knee joints are expressed as percent loss ofproteoglycan compared to the contralateral left knee joint control. Thepercent inhibition of proteoglycan loss, may be calculated as {[(proteoglycan loss from joint (%) with vehicle)−(proteoglycan loss fromjoint with an invention compound)]÷(proteoglycan loss from joint (%)with vehicle)}×100.

[0947] The MIA Rat data that are expected from the analysis ofproteoglycan loss would establish that an invention compound iseffective for inhibiting cartilage damage and inflammation and/oralleviating pain in mammalian patients, including human.

[0948] The results of these studies with oral dosing may be presented intabular format in the columns labelled “IJFL (%+/− SEM)”, wherein IJFLmeans Inhibition of Joint Function Limitation, “SDCES”, wherein SDCESmeans Significant Decrease In Cartilage Erosion Severity, and “SIJWHLE”,wherein SIJWHLE means Significant Increase in Joints Without Hind LimbErosion.

[0949] The proportion of subjects without hind limb erosions may beanalyzed via an Exact Sequential Cochran-Armitage Trend test (SAS®Institute, 1999). The Cochran-Armitage Trend test is employed when onewishes to determine whether the proportion of positive or “Yes”responders increases or decreases with increasing levels of treatment.For the particular study, it is expected that the number of animalswithout joint erosions increased with increasing dose.

[0950] The ridit analysis may be used to determine differences inoverall erosion severity. This parameter takes into account both theerosion grade (0=no erosion, I=erosion extending into the superficial ormiddle layers, or II=deep layer erosion), and area (small, medium andlarge, quantified by dividing the area of the largest erosion in eachscore into thirds) simultaneously. The analysis recognizes that eachunit of severity is different, but does not assume a mathematicalrelationship between units.

[0951] Another animal model for measuring effects of an inventioncompound on cartilage damage and inflammation and/or pain is describedbelow in Biological Method 6.

Biological Method 6

[0952] Induction of Experimental Osteoarthritis in Rabbit (“EOA inRabbit”):

[0953] Normal rabbits are anaesthetized and anteromedial incisions ofthe right knees performed. The anterior cruciate ligaments arevisualized and sectioned. The wounds are closed and the animals arehoused in individual cages, exercised, and fed ad libitum. Rabbits aregiven either vehicle (water) or an invention compound dosed three timesper day with 30-mg/kg/dose or 10-mg/kg/dose. The invention compound maybe administered at other doses such as, for example, 3 times 20mg/kg/day or 3 times 60 mg/kg/day according to the requirements of theinvention compound being studied. The rabbits are euthanized 8 weeksafter surgery and the proximal end of the tibia and the distal end ofthe femur are removed from each animal.

[0954] Macroscopic Grading

[0955] The cartilage changes on the femoral condyles and tibial plateausare graded separately under a dissecting microscope (Stereozoom, Bausch& Lomb, Rochester, N.Y.). The depth of erosion is graded on a scale of 0to 4 as follows: grade 0=normal surface; Grade 1=minimal fibrillation ora slight yellowish discoloration of the surface; Grade 2=erosionextending into superficial or middle layers only; Grade 3=erosionextending into deep layers; Grade 4=erosion extending to subchondralbone. The surface area changes are measured and expressed in mm².Representative specimens may also be used for histologic grading (seebelow).

[0956] Histologic Grading

[0957] Histologic evaluation is performed on sagittal sections ofcartilage from the lesional areas of the femoral condyle and tibialplateau. Serial sections (5 um) are prepared and stained withsafranin-O. The severity of OA lesions is graded on a scale of 0-14 bytwo independent observers using the histologic-histochemical scale ofMankin et al. This scale evaluates the severity of OA lesions based onthe loss of safranin-O staining (scale 0-4), cellular changes (scale0-3), invasion of tidemark by blood vessels (scale 0-1) and structuralchanges (scale 0-6). On this latter scale, 0 indicates normal cartilagestructure and 6 indicates erosion of the cartilage down to thesubchondral bone. The scoring system is based on the most severehistologic changes in the multiple sections.

[0958] Representative specimens of synovial membrane from the medial andlateral knee compartments are dissected from underlying tissues. Thespecimens are fixed, embedded, and sectioned (5 um) as above, andstained with hematoxylin-eosin. For each compartment, two synovialmembrane specimens are examined for scoring purposes and the highestscore from each compartment is retained. The average score is calculatedand considered as a unit for the whole knee. The severity of synovitisis graded on a scale of 0 to 10 by two independent observers, adding thescores of 3 histologic criteria: synovial lining cell hyperplasia (scale0-2); villous hyperplasia (scale 0-3); and degree of cellularinfiltration by mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells (scale 0-5): 0indicates normal structure.

[0959] Statistical Analysis

[0960] Mean values and SEM is calculated and statistical analysis wasdone using the Mann-Whitney U-test.

[0961] The results of these studies would be expected to show that aninvention compound would reduce the size of the lesion on the tibialplateaus, and perhaps the damage in the tibia or on the femoralcondyles. In conclusion, these results would show that an inventioncompound would have significant inhibition effects on the damage tocartilage.

[0962] The foregoing studies would establish that an invention compoundis effective for the inhibition of cartilage damage and inflammationand/or alleviating pain, and thus useful for the treatment ofosteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in human, and other mammaliandisorders. Such a treatment offers a distinct advantage over existingtreatments that only modify pain or inflammation or and other secondarysymptoms. The effectiveness of an invention compound in this model wouldindicate that the invention compound will have clinically useful effectsin preventing and/or treating cartilage damage, pain and/orinflammation.

[0963] Administration according to the invention method of an inventioncompound to a mammal to treat the diseases listed above is preferably,although not necessarily, accomplished by administering the compound, ora salt thereof, in a pharmaceutical dosage form.

[0964] The compounds of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, can be prepared and administered according to the inventionmethod in a wide variety of oral and parenteral pharmaceutical dosageforms. Thus, the compounds of Formula I, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, can be administered by injection, that is,intravenously, intramuscularly, intracutaneously, subcutaneously,intraduodenally, or intraperitoneally. Also, the compounds of Formula I,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, can be administered byinhalation, for example, intranasally. Additionally, the compounds ofFormula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, can beadministered transdermally. It will be obvious to those skilled in theart that the following dosage forms may comprise as the active componentan invention compound. The invention compounds generally are present ina concentration of about 5% to about 95% by weight of the formulation.

[0965] For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds ofFormula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (i.e., theactive component) pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be eithersolid or liquid. Solid form preparations are preferred. Solid formpreparations include powders, tablets, pills, capsules, cachets,suppositories, and dispersible granules. A solid carrier can be one ormore substances which may also act as diluents, flavoring agents,solubilizers, lubricants, suspending agents, binders, preservatives,tablet disintegrating agents, or an encapsulating material.

[0966] In powders, the carrier is a finely divided solid which is in amixture with the finely divided active component. Powders suitable forintravenous administration or administration by injection may belyophilized.

[0967] In tablets, the active component is mixed with the carrier havingthe necessary binding properties in suitable proportions and compactedin the shape and size desired.

[0968] The powders and tablets preferably contain from about 5% to about70%, total, of the active component. Suitable carriers are magnesiumcarbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose, pectin, dextrin,starch, gelatin, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, a low melting wax, cocoa butter, and the like.The term “preparation” is intended to include the formulation of theactive component with encapsulating material as a carrier providing acapsule in which the active component, with or without other carriers,is surrounded by a carrier, which is thus in association with it.Similarly, cachets and lozenges are included. Tablets, powders,capsules, pills, cachets, and lozenges can be used as solid dosage formssuitable for oral administration.

[0969] For preparing suppositories, a low melting wax, such as a mixtureof fatty acid glycerides or cocoa butter, is first melted and the activecomponent is dispersed homogeneously therein, as by stirring. The moltenhomogenous mixture is then poured into convenient sized molds, allowedto cool, and thereby to solidify.

[0970] Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, andemulsions, for example, water or water propylene glycol solutions. Forparenteral injection, liquid preparations can be formulated in solutionin aqueous polyethylene glycol solution.

[0971] Aqueous solutions suitable for oral use can be prepared bydissolving the active component in water and adding suitable colorants,flavors, stabilizing, and thickening agents as desired.

[0972] Aqueous suspensions suitable for oral use can be made bydispersing the finely divided active component in water with viscousmaterial, such as natural or synthetic gums, resins, methylcellulose,sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and other well-known suspending agents.

[0973] Also included are solid form preparations which are intended tobe converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for oraladministration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions, andemulsions. These preparations may contain, in addition to the activecomponent, colorants, flavors, stabilizers, buffers, artificial andnatural sweeteners, dispersants, thickeners, solubilizing agents, andthe like.

[0974] The pharmaceutical preparation is preferably in unit dosage form.In such form, the preparation is subdivided into unit doses containingan appropriate quantity of the active component. The unit dosage formcan be a packaged preparation, the package containing discretequantities of preparation, such as packeted tablets, capsules, andpowders in vials or ampoules. Also, the unit dosage form can be acapsule, tablet, cachet, or lozenge itself, or it can be the appropriatenumber of any of these in packaged form.

[0975] The quantity of active component in a unit dose preparation maybe varied or adjusted from 0.01 to 1000 mg, preferably 1 to 500 mgaccording to the particular application and the potency of the activecomponents. The composition can, if desired, also contain othercompatible therapeutic agents.

[0976] In therapeutic use as agents to treat the above-listed diseases,the compounds of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, are administered at a dose that is effective for treating atleast one symptom of the disease or disorder being treated. The initialdosage of about 1 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg daily of the active componentwill be effective. A daily dose range of about 25 mg/kg to about 75mg/kg of the active component is preferred. The dosages, however, may bevaried depending upon the requirements of the patient, the severity ofthe condition being treated, and the particular invention compound beingemployed in the invention combination. Determination of the properdosage for a particular situation is within the skill of the art asdescribed above. Typical dosages will be from about 0.1 mg/kg to about500 mg/kg, and ideally about 25 mg/kg to about 250 mg/kg, such that itwill be an amount that is effective to treat the particular disease ordisorder being treated.

[0977] A preferred composition for dogs comprises an ingestible liquidperoral dosage form selected from the group consisting of a solution,suspension, emulsion, inverse emulsion, elixir, extract, tincture andconcentrate, optionally to be added to the drinking water of the dogbeing treated. Any of these liquid dosage forms, when formulated inaccordance with methods well known in the art, can either beadministered directly to the dog being treated, or may be added to thedrinking water of the dog being treated. The concentrate liquid form, onthe other hand, is formulated to be added first to a given amount ofwater, from which an aliquot amount may be withdrawn for administrationdirectly to the dog or addition to the drinking water of the dog.

[0978] A preferred composition provides delayed-, sustained- and/orcontrolled-release of an invention compound. Such preferred compositionsinclude all such dosage forms which produce ≧40% inhibition of cartilagedegradation, and result in a plasma concentration of the activecomponent of at least 3 fold the active component's ED₄₀ for at least 2hours; preferably for at least 4 hours; preferably for at least 8 hours;more preferably for at least 12 hours; more preferably still for atleast 16 hours; even more preferably still for at least 20 hours; andmost preferably for at least 24 hours. Preferably, there is includedwithin the above-described dosage forms those which produce ≧40%inhibition of cartilage degradation, and result in a plasmaconcentration of the active component of at least 5 fold the activecomponent's ED₄₀ for at least 2 hours, preferably for at least 2 hours,preferably for at least 8 hours, more preferably for at least 12 hours,still more preferably for at least 20 hours and most preferably for atleast 24 hours. More preferably, there is included the above-describeddosage forms which produce ≧50% inhibition of cartilage degradation, andresult in a plasma concentration of the active component of at least 5fold the active component's ED₄₀ for at least 2 hours, preferably for atleast 4 hours, preferably for at least 8 hours, more preferably for atleast 12 hours, still more preferably for at least 20 hours and mostpreferably for at least 24 hours.

[0979] The following Formulation Examples 1 to 8 illustrate theinvention pharmaceutical compositions. When the formulations comprisethe invention compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,diluent, or excipient, they contain a cartilage damage treatingeffective amount or a therapeutically effective amount such as, forexample, an anti-osteoarthritic effective amount of the inventioncompound. The examples are representative only, and are not to beconstrued as limiting the invention in any respect. Tablet Formulation:Ingredient Amount (mg) An invention compound 25 Lactose 50 Cornstarch(for mix) 10 Cornstarch (paste) 10 Magnesium stearate (1%) 5 Total 100

[0980] The invention compound, lactose, and cornstarch (for mix) areblended to uniformity. The cornstarch (for paste) is suspended in 200 mLof water and heated with stirring to form a paste. The paste is used togranulate the mixed powders. The wet granules are passed through a No. 8hand screen and dried at 80° C. The dry granules are lubricated with the1% magnesium stearate and pressed into a tablet. Such tablets can beadministered to a human from one to four times a day for inhibitingcartilage damage or treating osteoarthritis.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 2

[0981] Coated Tablets:

[0982] The tablets of Formulation Example 1 are coated in a customarymanner with a coating of sucrose, potato starch, talc, tragacanth, andcolorant.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 3

[0983] Injection vials:

[0984] The pH of a solution of 500 g of an invention compound and 5 g ofdisodium hydrogen phosphate is adjusted to pH 6.5 in 3 L ofdouble-distilled water using 2 M hydrochloric acid. The solution issterile filtered, and the filtrate is filled into injection vials,lyophilized under sterile conditions, and aseptically sealed. Eachinjection vial contains 25 mg of the invention compound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 4

[0985] Suppositories:

[0986] A mixture of 25 g of an invention compound, 100 g of soyalecithin, and 1400 g of cocoa butter is fused, poured into molds, andallowed to cool. Each suppository contains 25 mg of the inventioncompound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 5

[0987] Solution:

[0988] A solution is prepared from 1 g of an invention compound, 9.38 gof NaH₂PO₄.12H₂O, 28.48 g of Na₂HPO₄.12H₂O, and 0.1 g benzalkoniumchloride in 940 mL of double-distilled water. The pH of the solution isadjusted to pH 6.8 using 2 M hydrochloric acid. The solution is dilutedto 1.0 L with double-distilled water, and sterilized by irradiation. A25 mL volume of the solution contains 25 mg of the invention compound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 6

[0989] Ointment:

[0990] 500 mg of an invention compound is mixed with 99.5 g of petroleumjelly under aseptic conditions. A 5 g portion of the ointment contains25 mg of the invention compound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 7

[0991] Capsules:

[0992] 2 kg of an invention compound are filled into hard gelatincapsules in a customary manner such that each capsule contains 25 mg ofthe invention compound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 8

[0993] Ampoules:

[0994] A solution of 2.5 kg of an invention compound is dissolved in 60L of double-distilled water. The solution is sterile filtered, and thefiltrate is filled into ampoules. The ampoules are lyophilized understerile conditions and aseptically sealed. Each ampoule contains 25 mgof the invention compound.

[0995] The following Formulation Examples 9 to 16 illustrate theinvention pharmaceutical compositions containing an inventioncombination in a single formulation with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier, diluent, or excipient. The examples are representative only,and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any respect.Tablet Formulation: Ingredient Amount (mg) An invention compound 25 ACOX-2 inhibitor 20 Lactose 50 Cornstarch (for mix) 10 Cornstarch (paste)10 Magnesium stearate (1%) 5 Total 120

[0996] The invention compound or COX-2 inhibitor, lactose, andcornstarch (for mix) are blended to uniformity. The cornstarch (forpaste) is suspended in 200 mL of water and heated with stirring to forma paste. The paste is used to granulate the mixed powders. The wetgranules are passed through a No. 8 hand screen and dried at 80° C. Thedry granules are lubricated with the 1% magnesium stearate and pressedinto a tablet. Such tablets can be administered to a human from one tofour times a day for treatment of one of the above-listed diseases.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 10

[0997] Coated Tablets:

[0998] The tablets of Formulation Example 9 are coated in a customarymanner with a coating of sucrose, potato starch, talc, tragacanth, andcolorant.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 11

[0999] Injection vials:

[1000] The pH of a solution of 250 g of a COX-2 inhibitor, 500 g of aninvention compound, and 5 g of disodium hydrogen phosphate is adjustedto pH 6.5 in 3 L of double-distilled water using 2 M hydrochloric acid.The solution is sterile filtered, and the filtrate is filled intoinjection vials, lyophilized under sterile conditions, and asepticallysealed. Each injection vial contains 12.5 mg of COX-2 inhibitor and 25mg of the invention compound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 12

[1001] Suppositories:

[1002] A mixture of 50 g of a COX-2 inhibitor, 25 g of an inventioncompound, 100 g of soya lecithin, and 1400 g of cocoa butter is fused,poured into molds, and allowed to cool. Each suppository contains 50 mgof the COX-2 inhibitor and 25 mg of the invention compound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 13

[1003] Solution:

[1004] A solution is prepared from 0.5 g of a COX-2 inhibitor, 1 g of aninvention compound, 9.38 g of NaH₂PO₄.12H₂O, 28.48 g of Na₂HPO₄.12H₂O,and 0.1 g benzalkonium chloride in 940 mL of double-distilled water. ThepH of the solution is adjusted to pH 6.8 using 2 M hydrochloric acid.The solution is diluted to 1.0 L with double-distilled water, andsterilized by irradiation. A 25 mL volume of the solution contains 12.5mg of the COX-2 inhibitor and 25 mg of the invention compound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 14

[1005] Ointment:

[1006] 100 mg of a COX-2 inhibitor, 500 mg of an invention compound ismixed with 99.4 g of petroleum jelly under aseptic conditions. A 5 gportion of the ointment contains 5 mg of the COX-2 inhibitor and 25 mgof the invention compound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 15

[1007] Capsules:

[1008] 2 kg of a COX-2 inhibitor and 20 kg of an invention compound arefilled into hard gelatin capsules in a customary manner such that eachcapsule contains 25 mg of the COX-2 inhibitor and 250 mg of theinvention compound.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 16

[1009] Ampoules:

[1010] A solution of 2.5 kg of a COX-2 inhibitor and 2.5 kg of aninvention compound is dissolved in 60 L of double-distilled water. Thesolution is sterile filtered, and the filtrate is filled into ampoules.The ampoules are lyophilized under sterile conditions and asepticallysealed. Each ampoule contains 25 mg each of the COX-2 inhibitor and theinvention compound.

[1011] While it may be desirable to formulate a COX-2 inhibitor and aninvention compound together in one capsule, tablet, ampoule, solution,and the like, for simultaneous administration, it is not necessary forthe purposes of practicing the invention methods. A COX-2 inhibitor andan invention compound alternatively can each be formulated independentlyin any form such as, for example, those of any one Formulation Examples1 to 16, and administered to a patient either simultaneously or atdifferent times.

[1012] The following examples illustrate the invention pharmaceuticalcompositions containing discrete formulations of the active componentsof an invention combination and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,diluent, or excipient. The examples are representative only, and are notto be construed as limiting the invention in any respect. TabletFormulation of an invention compound: Ingredient Amount (mg) Aninvention compound 25 Lactose 50 Cornstarch (for mix) 10 Cornstarch(paste) 10 Magnesium stearate (1%) 5 Total 100

[1013] An invention compound, lactose, and cornstarch (for mix) areblended to uniformity. The cornstarch (for paste) is suspended in 200 mLof water and heated with stirring to form a paste. The paste is used togranulate the mixed powders. The wet granules are passed through a No. 8hand screen and dried at 80° C. The dry granules are lubricated with the1% magnesium stearate and pressed into a tablet.

[1014] Injection Vial Formulation of a COX-2 inhibitor:

[1015] The pH of a solution of 500 g of a COX-2 inhibitor and 5 g ofdisodium hydrogen phosphate is adjusted to pH 6.5 in 3 L ofdouble-distilled water using 2 M hydrochloric acid. The solution issterile filtered, and the filtrate is filled into injection vials,lyophilized under sterile conditions, and aseptically sealed. Eachinjection vial contains 25 mg of the COX-2 inhibitor.

[1016] Such tablets containing the invention compound can beadministered to a human from one to four times a day for treatment ofthe above-listed diseases, and the injection solutions containing theCOX-2 inhibitor can be administered to a human 1 or 2 times per day,wherein the administration by injection is optionally simultaneous withadministration of the tablets or at different times, for the treatmentof one of the above-listed diseases.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE 18

[1017] Coated Tablets Containing an Invention Compound:

[1018] The tablets of Formulation Example 17 are coated in a customarymanner with a coating of sucrose, potato starch, talc, tragacanth, andcolorant.

[1019] Capsules Containing Valdecoxib or Celecoxib:

[1020] 2 kg of a COX-2 inhibitor are filled into hard gelatin capsulesin a customary manner such that each capsule contains 25 mg of the COX-2inhibitor.

[1021] Such coated tablets containing the invention compound can beadministered to a human from one to four times a day for treatment ofthe above-listed diseases, and the capsules containing the COX-2inhibitor can be administered to a human 1 or 2 times per day, whereinthe administration of the capsules is optionally simultaneous withadministration of the tablets or at different times, for the treatmentof one of the above-listed diseases.

[1022] Still further, it should be appreciated that the inventionmethods comprising administering an invention combination to a mammal totreat diseases or disorders listed above may be used to treat differentdiseases simultaneously. For example, administration of a COX-2inhibitor in accordance with the invention combination may be carriedout as described above to treat inflammation, arthritic pain, painassociated with menstrual cramping, and migraines, while an inventioncompound may be administered to treat OA or inhibit cartilage damage.

[1023] As shown above, the invention methods comprising administering aninvention compound offer a distinct advantage over existing treatmentsfor diseases such as OA that comprise cartilage damage, wherein theexisting treatments modify pain or secondary symptoms, but do not show adisease modifying effect.

[1024] While the invention has been described and illustrated withreference to certain particular embodiments thereof, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that various adaptations, changes,modifications, substitutions, deletions, or additions of procedures andprotocols may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. It is intended, therefore, that the invention be defined bythe scope of the claims that follow and that such claims be interpretedas broadly as is reasonable.

[1025] All references cited above are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

[1026] Having described the invention method, various embodiments of theinvention are hereupon claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of Formula I

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R¹ isindependently selected from: C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);Substituted C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); C₈-C₁₀bicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);Substituted 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); 8- to10-membered heterobicycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted 8- to10-membered heterobicycloalkyl-(C₁-C8 alkylenyl); Phenyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Naphthyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Substituted naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); 5- or 6-memberedheteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted 5- or 6-memberedheteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Phenyl; Substituted phenyl; Naphthyl; Substituted naphthyl;5- or 6-membered heteroaryl; Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl; 8-to 10-membered heterobiaryl; and Substituted 8- to 10-memberedheterobiaryl; R² is independently selected from: H; C₁-C₆ alkyl;Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);Naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); 5-or 6-membered heteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted 5- or 6-memberedheteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Phenyl-O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted phenyl-O-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Phenyl-S-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted phenyl-S-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Phenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substitutedphenyl-S(O)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); andSubstituted phenyl-S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Each substituted R¹ and R²group contains from 1 to 4 substituents, each independently on a carbonor nitrogen atom, independently selected from: C₁-C₆ alkyl; CN; CF₃; HO;(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-O; (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S(O)₂; H₂N; (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-N(H); (C₁-C₆alkyl)₂-N; (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)O-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m); (C₁-C₆alkyl)-C(O)O-(1- to 8-membered heteroalkylenyl)_(m); (C₁-C₆alkyl)-C(O)N(H)-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m); (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-C(O)N(H)-(1- to8-membered heteroalkylenyl)_(m); H₂NS(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); (C₁-C₆alkyl)-N(H)S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m); (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-NS(O)₂-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl)_(m); 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(G)_(m); Substituted3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(G)_(m); 5- or 6-memberedheteroaryl-(G)_(m); Substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-(G)_(m);(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S(O)₂-N(H)—C(O)—(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m); and (C₁-C₆alkyl)-C(O)—N(H)—S(O)₂-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl)_(m); wherein each substituenton a carbon atom may further be independently selected from: Halo; andHO₂C; wherein 2 substituents may be taken together with a carbon atom towhich they are both bonded to form the group C═O; wherein two adjacent,substantially sp² carbon atoms may be taken together with a diradicalsubstituent to form a cyclic diradical selected from:

R is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; G is CH₂; O, S, S(O); or S(O)₂; Each m is aninteger of 0 or 1; R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the groups:H; C₁-C₆ alkyl; Substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; C₂-C₆ alkenyl; SubstitutedC₂-C₆ alkenyl; C₂-C₆ alkynyl; Substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl; C₃-C₆cycloalkyl; Substituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Substituted C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Phenyl;Substituted phenyl; Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Naphthyl; Substituted Naphthyl; Naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl);Substituted naphthyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); 3- to 6-memberedheterocycloalkyl; Substituted 3- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl; 3- to6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted 3- to6-membered heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl) HO; (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-O; H₂N;(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-N(H); (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-N; Each substituted R³ and R⁴ groupcontains from 1 to 4 substituents, each independently on a carbon ornitrogen atom, independently selected from: H₂N; C₁-C₆ alkyl; CN; CF₃;(C₁-C₆ alkyl)-OC(O); HO; (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-O; HS; and (C₁-C₆ alkyl)-S;wherein each substituent on a carbon atom may further be independentlyselected from: Halo; and HO₂C; wherein 2 substituents may be takentogether with a carbon atom to which they are both bonded to form thegroup C═O; R⁵ is H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, H₂N, HO, or halo; n is an integer offrom 0 to 3; Q is selected from: OC(O); CH(R⁶)C(O); OC(NR⁶);CH(R⁶)C(NR⁶); N(R⁶)C(O); N(R⁶)C(S); N(R⁶)C(NR⁶); N(R⁶)CH₂; SC(O);CH(R⁶)C(S); SC(NR⁶); trans-(H)C═C(H); cis-(H)C═C(H); C≡C; CH₂C≡C;C≡CCH₂; CF₂C≡C; and C≡CCF₂;

R is H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; 3- to 6-memberedheterocycloalkyl; phenyl; benzyl; or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl; X isO, S, N(H), or N(C₁-C₆ alkyl); Each V is independently C(H) or N; Y isC(═O), CH₂; C(H)(R⁷), C(R⁷)₂; O; S; S(O); or S(O)₂; Each R⁷ isindependently C₁-C₆ alkyl, H₂N; HO; or halo; - - - - means a bond whichis optionally present or absent; W¹ is independently N—R⁵ or C(H)R⁵when - - - - is absent, wherein R⁵ is as defined above; W¹ isindependently N or C—R⁵ when - - - - is a bond, wherein R⁵ is as definedabove; Each W², W³, and W⁴ is independently N or C—R⁵, wherein R⁵ is asdefined above; wherein at least 1 of W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ is N; whereineach C₈-C₁₀ bicycloalkyl is a bicyclic carbocyclic ring that contains8-, 9-, or 10-member carbon atoms which are 5,5-fused, 6,5-fused, or6,6-fused bicyclic rings, respectively, and wherein the ring issaturated or optionally contains one carbon-carbon double bond; whereineach 8- to 10-membered heterobicycloalkyl is a bicyclic ring thatcontains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selectedfrom 2 O, 1 S, 1 S(O), 1 S(O)₂, 1 N, 4 N(H), and 4 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), andwherein when two O atoms or one O atom and one S atom are present, thetwo O atoms or one O atom and one S atom are not bonded to each other,and wherein the ring is saturated or optionally contains onecarbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen double bond, and wherein theheterobicycloalkyl is a 5,5-fused, 6,5-fused, or 6,6-fused bicyclicring, respectively, wherein each heterocycloalkyl is a ring thatcontains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selectedfrom 2 O, 1 S, 1 S(O), 1 S(O)₂, 1 N, 4 N(H), and 4 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), andwherein when two O atoms or one O atom and one S atom are present, thetwo O atoms or one O atom and one S atom are not bonded to each other,and wherein the ring is saturated or optionally contains onecarbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen double bond; wherein each 5-memberedheteroaryl contains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatomsindependently selected from 1 O, 1 S, 1 N(H), 1 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N,and each 6-membered heteroaryl contains carbon atoms and 1 or 2heteroatoms independently selected from N, N(H), and N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and5- and 6-membered heteroaryl are monocyclic rings; wherein eachheterobiaryl contains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatomsindependently selected from 1 O, 1 S, 1 N(H), 1 N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and 4 N,and where the 8-, 9-, and 10-membered heterobiaryl are 5,5-fused,6,5-fused, and 6,6-fused bicyclic rings, respectively, and wherein atleast 1 of the 2 fused rings of a bicyclic ring is aromatic, and whereinwhen the O and S atoms both are present, the O and S atoms are notbonded to each other; wherein with any (C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂-N group, the C₁-C₆alkyl groups may be optionally taken together with the nitrogen atom towhich they are attached to form a 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl;wherein each group and each substituent recited above is independentlyselected; and wherein the compound named4-[1-oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-isoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid is excluded.
 2. The compound according to claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Y is C(═O) or CH₂. 3.The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, wherein Y is O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂.
 4. The compound according toclaim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q isN(R⁶)C(O).
 5. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein Q is C≡C, CH₂C≡C, C≡CCH₂, CF₂C≡C, orC≡CCF₂.
 6. The compound according to claim 1, wherein W³ or W⁴ is N andQ is N(H)C(O).
 7. The compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6,wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from: 5- or 6-memberedheteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); Substituted 5- or 6-memberedheteroaryl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Substituted 8- to 10-membered heterobiaryl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl); Phenyl-(C₁-C₈ alkylenyl); and Substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₈alkylenyl).
 8. The compound according to claim 1, selected from:4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester;4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-3-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid;2-(3,5-Difluoro-4-hydroxybenzyl)-7-[3-(4H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-yl)prop-1-ynyl]-2H-3-azaisoquinolin-1-one;7-(3-Phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one;2-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-2H-5-azaisoquinolin-1-one;4-[7-(3-Imidazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1-oxo-1H-5-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester;4-[7-(3-Imidazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1-oxo-1H-5-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid;3-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzonitrile;4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzenesulfonamide;4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester;4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-6-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid;4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid methyl ester;3-[1-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-8-azaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid methyl ester; 2-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-7-3-phenylprop-1-ynyl-2H-3,5-diazaisoquinolin-1-one;7-(3-Phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-2H-3,6-diazaisoquinolin-1-one;2-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2H-3,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one; 2-(3,4-Difluorobenzyl)-7-(3-phenylprop-1-ynyl)-2H-5,8-diazaisoquinolin-1-one; and4-[1-Oxo-7-(3-[1,2,4]triazol-1-ylprop-1-ynyl)-1H-3,5,8-triazaisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl]benzoicacid tert-butyl ester; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 9.A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound according to claim1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, admixed with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or diluent.
 10. Thepharmaceutical composition according to claim 9, comprising a compoundaccording to claim 8, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, ordiluent.
 11. A method for treating osteoarthritis or rheumatoidarthritis, comprising administering to a patient suffering fromosteoarthritis a nontoxic effective amount of a compound according toclaim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the compound administered is a compoundaccording to claim 8, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.